Creating a supportive, vibrant senior living community starts with effective communication. For senior living communities, communication that is consistent, clear, and accessible can make a tremendous difference in resident engagement, family involvement, and overall satisfaction. Below are eight essential best practices to consider, each highlighting ways that senior living facilities can better connect with residents and families, streamline operations, and improve care outcomes through Kipsu.

Activity and event reminders with feedback collection

Regular activities, social events, and wellness classes are integral to keeping residents engaged and connected with their community. In senior living facilities, where routine and schedules often play a vital role in residents’ lives, timely reminders for these events can encourage participation and boost morale. A recurring outreach message can automatically remind residents about weekly or monthly events like chair yoga, social lunches, or art classes, making it easy for residents to stay involved and teams to increase participation. Sending messages with residents' names or specific event details adds a personal touch that makes each message feel organic rather than a generic notification. Additionally, following up with a brief feedback prompt after events lets residents share their thoughts, offering valuable insights to help facilities continually refine their programs and create activities that align with residents' interests.

Feedback and satisfaction surveys

Traditional surveys often struggle to capture meaningful feedback, with average response rates only reaching 10%, which limits the ability to truly understand the resident experience. Kipsu has a different approach, achieving response rates of around 60% by leveraging more human-centered, accessible methods that encourage regular engagement.  Kipsu meets residents where they are by having automated messages sent to residents at key moments, such as move-in and renewal dates, allowing residents to reflect on their experience when it’s most relevant to them. By keeping outreach open ended, Kipsu captures the full range of resident sentiment—beyond just the highly satisfied or dissatisfied voices—giving communities a deeper understanding of overall satisfaction and pinpoint issues. Continuous, conversational feedback enables staff to act on real-time insights, fostering a responsive environment that reinforces to residents that their voices truly matter.

Transitioning new residents

Moving into a senior living community is a significant transition for both residents and their families. Having clear, welcoming communication during this time can ease the adjustment and help new residents feel at home. Text messaging is a convenient way to share welcome information, answer questions, and provide guidance during the initial weeks. Putting staff in a position to support and provide the best service possible also ensures the resident starts off on the right foot. For instance, the building might have a templated text that goes out to all new residents that says, “Hi (Name), We’re so excited for you to move into our community in the next few days. As the big day approaches, please feel free to reach me and our team with any questions or concerns at any point. Looking forward to seeing you soon -(Staff Member’s Name) This thoughtful approach fosters a sense of belonging, helping new residents feel more comfortable and engaged even before their first day living in the community..

Service requests and maintenance notifications

Timely and efficient handling of service requests is key to maintaining a comfortable and well-functioning senior living environment. Allowing residents or family members to submit maintenance requests via text offers an accessible way to report issues as they arise, from a broken heater to a dripping faucet. Facilities should establish clear workflows for managing these requests, ensuring that each one is acknowledged, addressed, and resolved promptly. For example, a resident might text about a leaky sink, receive a confirmation that their request has been received, and then get an update when the issue is fixed. This streamlined process not only boosts efficiency but also reassures residents that their concerns are prioritized. Additionally, documented communication and status updates offer transparency, allowing staff to track maintenance requests and follow up as needed.

Medication and appointment reminders

Staying on top of medication schedules and healthcare appointments is crucial for senior residents. Many rely on structured reminders to keep track of medications, therapy sessions, and doctor’s visits. Text reminders tailored to each resident’s specific health care plan can support them in managing their routines without stress. For instance, a resident may receive a message that says, “Time to take your 2 p.m. medication” or “Reminder: Doctor’s appointment tomorrow at 10 a.m.” For sensitive health information, secure messaging options can ensure privacy and confidentiality, adhering to health regulations and building trust. These reminders not only contribute to each resident’s health but also reassure family members that their loved ones have support in maintaining their healthcare routines.

Emergency alerts

Prompt communication during emergencies is vital to maintaining safety and order in senior living communities. Situations such as extreme weather, health safety updates, or facility closures require clear, immediate messaging that all residents, families, and staff can understand and act upon. Teams using Kipsu can customize an outreach message that is sent to everyone during emergencies to ensure swift and clear communication. For example, in the case of a sudden storm warning, the facility can customize a message and text it to everyone seconds later.  This not only reduces response time but also minimizes confusion, as everyone receives concise, actionable information that is easy to understand and follow.

Family communication

Family members of senior living residents often want to stay connected, even if they can’t always visit in person. Offering a direct text line for families to check in, ask questions, or share concerns gives them peace of mind and a reliable way to stay informed. For instance, if a family member is concerned about a loved one’s health or daily activities, they can text the facility, knowing that they will talk with someone and be heard. This straightforward approach fosters a sense of trust, as family members know that they can always check in, no matter the time of day.

Implementing these best practices not only improves communication but also enhances the overall experience for residents and families. For Kipsu’s senior living partners, these strategies demonstrate how thoughtful, well-organized communication can significantly enrich the resident experience, foster trust, and create a more vibrant and responsive community. If you're interested in learning how Kipsu could fit into your community, send us an email at hello@kipsu.com.

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