Smart Aging™ in Action – Real Stories from Senior Living Innovators: A LeadingAge Illinois Wrap Up
As the senior living industry continues to explore technology’s role in resident care, Go Icon recently hosted a compelling panel discussing the importance of delivering exceptional aging experiences at every level of care, with the help of AI and technology.” From early-stage adoption to advanced implementation, panelists shared real-world wins, challenges, and strategies that are shaping the future of personalized aging.
“Start Where You Are”
For David Guthridge from CJE Senior Life, the journey began with a grant. “We installed centralized Wi-Fi and provided iPads to residents. Many were skeptical at first, but once they were shown how to email or view grandkids on YouTube, their worlds opened up.” One resident even penned a heartfelt letter explaining how life-changing the experience had been.
Technology adoption isn’t about perfection, it’s about momentum. As David noted, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The next best time is today.”
The Silent Work of Smart Systems
For Ray Banagas of Presbyterian Living, the focus has been infrastructure and security. “You need Wi-Fi in all care areas, integration with EHRs, and systems that talk to each other. And when it comes to AI, you must ensure your data is clean and your cyber posture is strong.” His team saved over 12,000 labor hours using robotic process automation to migrate records showing that even non-flashy tools can have a major impact.
The Rise of Personalized Experiences
Go Icon CEO Ryan Galea shared data trends that show a shift from generalized programming to tailored resident experiences. Thanks to Go Icon’s Smart Aging™ features, activity participation across communities increased by an average of 40%.
Residents aren’t just being invited to play bingo, they’re being matched with friends who share life experiences, favorite foods, military backgrounds, or even hometown sports teams. This is AI done right.
Technology with a Purpose
“Don’t adopt tech just because it’s cool,” Mary Giangrasse (COO of Go Icon) reminded the audience. “Use it with intention—to solve problems, to create connection, to give staff and residents more time and joy.”
That intention is visible in Go Icon’s Smart Aging™ features:
- Resident Insights: Understand more than just allergies—get life stories.
- Friend Matching: Automatically pair residents by interest or background.
- Activity Insights: Know what’s working and when.
- AI Co-Pilot: Help staff create personalized plans in seconds.
- Family Updates: Automatically write warm, detailed family messages.
- Wellness Highlights: Spot trends in physical, emotional, and cognitive wellness.
Final Advice from the Panel:
- Have a Plan: What are you trying to solve?
- Clean Your Data: Bad data = bad outcomes.
- Engage Your Residents: Especially the tech-hesitant.
- Start Small: Then scale.
- Don’t Forget Security: It’s not sexy—but it’s essential.
As we look ahead, the smart aging journey continues. But one thing is clear: technology is not replacing the human touch, it’s amplifying it. Learn more about how Go Icon’s Smart Aging™ platform is empowering residents, staff, and families at www.goicon.com.