This article is proudly sponsored by Dual Path Connected Solutions. In this Voices interview, Senior Housing News engages with Eric Markow, Founder & CEO of Dual Path, to delve into the significance of technology that is specifically tailored for seniors. Markow discusses Dual Path’s emphasis on Compassionate Support and explores other senior-centered solutions that elevate the quality of life for residents, outlining the advantages for operators, staff, and the industry as a whole.
**Senior Housing News:** Eric, which of your past career experiences have been most influential in shaping your current role?
**Eric Markow:** Throughout my career, I have engaged in hands-on work assisting end users, particularly seniors, as they navigate technology challenges in their daily lives. One noteworthy experience involved a man in Oregon whose son set up a laptop in his room with Skype for frequent check-ins on his health. This personalized setup bridged the gap between independent and assisted living, showcasing the potential of technology to fulfill unmet needs for seniors. These encounters, along with my parents’ technology struggles in their 80s, highlighted the necessity of making technology more accessible and user-friendly for seniors. Drawing from my background in the hospitality industry, I recognized a void in technology designed specifically for seniors, which drove me to establish Dual Path. The foundation of our company lies in integrating cutting-edge technology with a human touch to optimize outcomes.
**Senior Housing News:** Can you elaborate on Dual Path’s concept of Compassionate Support?
**Eric Markow:** Compassionate Support stemmed from a poignant encounter with a resident who faced challenges due to a speech impediment. His struggle and the contrast with his successful past profoundly affected me, prompting deeper reflection on the diverse obstacles that seniors encounter, from health issues to family dynamics. This resident’s story inspired the development of our Compassionate Support model, which fuses technical assistance with empathy to serve individuals effectively. Feedback from residents and staff continuously shapes and refines our Compassionate Support approach, reflected in our stellar ratings and reviews.
**Senior Housing News:** Which technologies are currently making the biggest impact in senior living, and where does Dual Path fit in?
**Eric Markow:** Managed Wi-Fi, while not yet fully embraced, enhances connectivity and flexibility in senior living. We see potential in AI for informatics analysis of data generated by IoT and smart building technologies, yet this frontier remains largely unexplored. Dual Path positions itself as a holistic technology service provider, offering comprehensive support from roadmap design to ongoing maintenance. Our focus is on seamless systems integration critical for senior living communities, ensuring efficient operation and maximum benefit.
**Senior Housing News:** How can operators and staff best leverage these technologies for their benefit?
**Eric Markow:** Selecting technologies tailored to a community’s unique needs is key for successful outcomes. Providers should analyze use cases, seek input from stakeholders, and engage in thorough technology adoption processes. By streamlining information access and automating tasks, technologies can alleviate staff workload, enhance care quality, and improve resident well-being. Partnering with experts to guide the implementation process is crucial for maximum impact.
**Senior Housing News:** Any tips for ensuring successful technology implementation?
**Eric Markow:** Change management, technology training, and establishing measurable KPIs are essential for successful implementation. Partnering with knowledgeable experts is equally crucial to navigate infrastructure needs and ensure a seamless fit for technology solutions. Deliberate planning and evaluation are key to prevent costly investments from going unused.
**Senior Housing News:** What are the essential elements of a property-wide Wi-Fi network in senior living today?
**Eric Markow:** Our comprehensive network solution offers seamless Wi-Fi connectivity for residents, prioritizing scalability, security, and fault tolerance. Designed for future applications, our network is constantly monitored and optimized to ensure uninterrupted operations. We focus on fault-tolerant solutions to mitigate disruptions, partnering with industry leaders like RUCKUS to deliver top-notch reliability.
At Dual Path, we are passionate about enhancing the quality of life for seniors through technology, prioritizing empathy and care alongside technical excellence. Our innovative approach aims to empower seniors to live actively and joyfully, fostering meaningful connections and enriching their daily experiences.
