Founded in 1889, Deaconess Abundant Life Communities (Deaconess) is one of the most enduring, not-for-profit providers of quality residential and healthcare services for older adults in New England today. All of our communities strive to nurture the mind, body and spirit in an environment of dignity and respect for the lifelong contributions of our residents.
Since the 1918 flu pandemic, Deaconess enjoyed a robust and successful 100 years. Having successfully managed the covid-19 pandemic, Deaconess is excited about re-creating options available to older adults through technology – thereby creating our next successful 100 years.
Along with Newbury Court in Concord, MA our communities include Rockridge in Northampton, MA and Wesley Woods Homes in Gilford, NH. They are all built and operated to serve the specific needs and desires of each of their markets. Deaconess Abundant Life Services was formed at the request of our residents and now serves older adults through home care in 20 Massachusetts communities.
The Deaconess Commitment to Innovation and the Future of Senior Living
Deaconess Residents, Management and Board members have long seen the benefit of new technologies as we build a new future of independence for older adults. This has been underscored by the operational and financial stress the field of senior care experienced in the pandemic.
In May of 2022 Deaconess Abundant Life Communities partnered with a technology start-up to trial a new Israeli based 4D radar-based fall detection system. The organization serving as integrator is based in New Jersey.
This ambient technology provides falls detection and is set to offer incrementally more sophisticated monitoring.
Residents from across our Concord Campus eagerly volunteered to participate in the trial, representing three levels of care (independent living, memory support, and skilled nursing).
Our Deaconess Team, representing Executive, Information Technology, and Clinical Leadership has worked closely with the company throughout the trial. It has been a unique privilege for our team to participate in the development of a technology that can directly impact the lives of those we serve.
We are committed to partnering with new or existing companies such as this that are working on innovative projects/concepts that will empower our older adults, enhance safety opportunities (diagnoses specific or otherwise), increase socialization via technology/robotics, and support our workforce to be more efficient and savvier. We are open to explore as many opportunities that will move our industry forward and allow for graceful, dignified aging while supporting the caregivers that help promote quality of life of those, we are able to serve.
Our Greatest Resources at your Service
Deaconess prides itself on having access to some of the Commonwealth’s most knowledgeable, experienced seniors, their families, and healthcare personnel, who are able and willing to be subject matters expert consultants. We can and will offer the following:
- Varied test sites for trial and piloting of new technologies/applications (this includes Concord and Northampton)
- Access to subject matter experts individual or within focus groups to problem solve and provide user feedback (this includes our residents, staff, caregivers and families.)
- Conduct needs assessment as related to technology/application and be able to match diagnosis specific individuals in preferred modes of living (Independent Living, Assisted Living, skilled nursing, memory care, etc.), if applicable.