Computers: not just for e-mail anymore! You might be surprised at what computer systems and Internet access can do for residents—and which ones can benefit

Nursing Homes, July, 2004 by Jack York

Funding Options

One obstacle to providing adaptive technology for resident computer/Internet access can be cost. However, funding can be obtained from a variety of sources. For example, we have had our projects funded by:

* small, local foundations;

* large, national foundations;

* communities' annual galas and fundraisers;

* partnerships with local area agencies on aging; and

* family members.

During the last year we have also seen several for-profit organizations (Pinon, for example) that have realized that adaptive computer systems used as activity, therapy, and marketing tools make them a viable investment and have simply budgeted for and procured them. Another route an organization can take is leasing options with monthly payments, which make the up-front expense minimal.

Final Thoughts

Innovative senior living and long-term care organizations are waking up to the fact that they should provide their clients with access to computers and the Internet. Although some owners and administrators still look upon this as a luxury, a new generation of residents--in the not-so-distant future--will demand it.