Assisted Living Tech Check
Tech matters. Ask before signing.
Wifi questions
- Is wifi free + included? (Should be.)
- Speeds in apartment? (Test on tour — should be 25+ Mbps.)
- Does it cover whole apartment, common areas?
- Can residents have their own router? (Allows secure private network.)
- How many devices can connect?
Communication tech
- Video calling room/area for family calls?
- Tech support staff (or just IT volunteer)?
- Help with new devices?
- iPad / tablet rental?
- Phone services — landline OR cellular?
Safety tech
- Pull cords / emergency buttons in apartment.
- How quickly do staff respond? (Ideally under 5 min.)
- Wearable medical alert systems supported?
- Door sensors for wandering?
- Cameras in common areas (NOT private rooms).
- Smoke + CO detectors checked monthly?
- Backup generators?
Activities + entertainment tech
- Movie theater / TV lounge with closed captions?
- Smart TV in apartment?
- Streaming services included?
- Tech classes (computer + smartphone basics)?
- Karaoke night, music memory programs?
Family communication
- Family portal / app (see meds, activities, photos)?
- Video monitoring for memory care unit (with consent)?
- Easy way to schedule visits?
- Updates pushed to family by email/text?
- Some good ones: "MyAge", "August Health", "Caremerge".
Don't skip the tour
Marketing brochures lie. Visit. Stay 2 hours. Eat a meal. Talk to current residents alone (without sales staff). Tech is real — sales pitch isn't. Trust your eyes.