King-Bruwaert House welcomes interactive system

While attending an industry conference last year, Lifestyle Director Leslie Grey-Lippold of King-Bruwaert House (KBH) discovered new and exciting technology that would enhance and enrich resident programming at her retirement community. After doing some research on the latest version of It’s Never Too Late (iN2L)™, Grey-Lippold prepared her annual budget with a capital purchase in mind.

“We had an older, smaller iN2L model,” she said. “But we couldn’t get updates and needed a change. The newer, larger version is just ideal for us. The 70-inch screen is a good fit for our residents.”

Grey-Lippold describes the new system as a “great activity tool that’s completely interactive.” The system features a touch screen, keyboard, camera, Bose speakers and DVD player and it has many programs built into its hard drive including trivia, painting and art classes, reminisce activities, movies, TV shows, music, games, facts, videos, YouTube, Skype and the internet. With so many capabilities, the equipment can entertain residents for hours on a variety of subjects.

Unique to the iN2L system is the capability of entering a resident’s name and interests into the system for future reference. By using a feature called My Page, a staff member inputs a resident’s name and adds information about their likes and interests. For example, if Mae Smith once lived on a farm and has fond memories of animals, barns and rural life, this data, once entered, can be retrieved at any time. For Mae, an association with past experiences can be positive and uplifting, Grey-Lippold said. It’s also an excellent interactive tool that creates meaningful resident conversations and exchanges with nurses, aides, family members, support staff and caregivers.

Described as person-centered technology, the iN2L system encourages socialization and cognition, as well as physical, spiritual and emotional responses from its users. With more than 4,000 topics available, the system can focus on the individual with activities and options suited to their engagement.

Grey-Lippold points to another unique function that embraces calmness and serenity for residents. For an individual who may be experiencing anxiety or agitation, iN2L may be used to soothe the senses with scenes featuring tranquil waterfalls, sandy shorelines, beautiful gardens, or changing seasons. For those who benefit from a hands-on activity, they can connect to iN2L to paint, listen to music, watch a favorite movie or listen to a popular radio show.

“I really like the sensory aspects of the system,” Grey-Lippold said. “It’s personalized and meaningful for our residents.”

Currently the iN2L system has been introduced to the Skilled Nursing neighborhood at KBH, but it will be traveling to other care levels in the near future.

“This is still new for us so we’re learning how to integrate the system into our daily activities,” Grey-Lippold said. “We’re looking forward to the fitness and wellness programs that will keep our residents fit, focused and connected.”