Senior living operators are observing a significant shift in job candidates' priorities, with many now inquiring about the use of specific communication technologies during interviews. This trend underscores the increasing importance of modern tools in the senior living sector, particularly as it grapples with severe staffing shortages. According to Greg Robertson, SVP and General Manager at Notify, a healthcare software company, caregivers are making technology a key factor in their employment decisions, often preferring communities that utilize smartphone-based communication tools like Notify.
The preference for modern communication tools over traditional equipment such as SIP phones, pagers, and walkie-talkies is driven by their ease of use and efficiency. Legacy systems, which can cost between $150 and $1,000 per device, are often seen as bulky and frustrating by caregivers who are accustomed to the convenience of smartphones. Notify addresses this issue by offering a software-over-hardware solution that allows senior living communities to modernize their communication systems without replacing existing nurse call infrastructure, thereby providing a cost-effective and user-friendly alternative. More information about this approach is available at https://www.notify.com/solutions/senior-living.
This shift towards modern communication tools is not only about caregiver satisfaction but also about improving care coordination and operational efficiency. Unified platforms like Notify enable better data analytics and reporting, giving leadership insights into caregiver responses and contributions. With the senior population expected to grow significantly in the coming decades, meeting workforce technology expectations is becoming crucial for senior living operators to attract and retain adequate care teams. The implications for HR vendors are clear: solutions that bridge the gap between legacy systems and modern workforce expectations will be in high demand as operators seek to remain competitive in a tight labor market.
The trend reflects a broader evolution in workplace technology standards, where employees across sectors increasingly expect tools that mirror the convenience and functionality of consumer devices. For senior living specifically, this technological alignment is not merely a perk but a strategic necessity. Operators who fail to modernize their communication infrastructure risk exacerbating staffing challenges, potentially compromising care quality and operational stability. This creates a significant opportunity for HR technology vendors who can deliver integrated, user-friendly platforms that address both caregiver preferences and organizational needs.
As the industry prepares for demographic shifts, the connection between technology adoption and talent acquisition will likely strengthen. Vendors serving the human resources and talent management space should note that communication tools are no longer just operational expenses but recruitment and retention assets. The data capabilities of modern platforms, such as those highlighted at https://www.notify.com/features/analytics, provide operators with valuable insights into workforce performance, enabling more informed staffing decisions and potentially improving overall care delivery. This convergence of technology and talent strategy represents a pivotal development for stakeholders across the senior living ecosystem.
