United Church Homes Embraces Innovative Technologies Through K4Connect

K4Connect is a technology company creating solutions to serve and empower older adults and people living with disabilities. The flagship K4Community product integrates home automation, connected health and social engagement software to promote better, more independent lives for older adults living in senior living communities. With K4Connect, residents can fully manage multiple areas of their lives, such as adjusting their thermostat and lighting, connecting with friends and loved ones through secure text messaging, e-mail and video and registering for life enrichment activities within the community.

K4Community is being used by thousands of residents, families and staff in senior living communities across the country.

Parkvue Community offers independent and assisted living apartments and cottages for older adults. Resident Services Director Shannon Graver said the six participants who registered for the pilot program will have weekly meetings to share tips and concerns.

“This innovative technology will add to an already robust life enrichment program at Parkvue Place,” Graver said. “We’re excited about the many uses of K4Connect that can enhance our residents lives.”

Chuck Mooney, senior vice president of Senior Living Services at United Church Homes, said the tablet- and cloud-based technology — allows residents to control their environment and engage with families and staff members, all from the comfort of their favorite chair.

“United Church Homes is embracing emerging technologies that allow residents to live independently longer and remain socially engaged,” Mooney said. “This technology allows residents to quickly learn how to use the system to control their environment and remain connected with family members and friends. In addition to that feature, all life enrichment programs offered at Parkvue Community are searchable within the software app. They can access and view activities calendars and register with a simple tap of a button.”

If the pilot program is successful, United Church Homes intends to deploy it to the remainder of the Parkvue Place building before rolling it out to its other senior living communities.

Mooney said United Church Homes is also evaluating the potential of using the K4Connect technology at its 59 affordable housing communities located in 13 states and two Native American nations. Many community residents have internet service in their apartments. All that is needed is a high-speed internet connection and a tablet that utilizes either Apple’s iOS or Google’s Android operating systems.

United Church Homes, based in Marion, Ohio, has been “Celebrating the Spirit” of seniors for more than a century. The nonprofit, faith-based organization is one of the nation’s largest providers of senior living services, with more than 1,800 dedicated staff serving 4,700 residents of all faiths in 72 senior living communities throughout 14 states and two Native American nations. UCH is in covenant with the United Church of Christ and welcomes residents of all faiths.