New Technology for Skilled Nursing Residents

“It’s absolutely amazing!”

That’s the word from Maggie Rushing, Activities Director at our Americus Nursing Center. She’s talking about a broad-scope interactive technology she and her staff are using to help skilled nursing residents stretch their minds, bodies, and spirits – and have what sounds like a lot of fun doing it.

The technology, called iN2L, is a comprehensive touchscreen-based content resource designed specifically to appeal to and engage seniors with varying physical and cognitive capabilities. The system allows for both Individual interaction and group activities. The hardware and software arrived in June.

There is a large touchscreen system that is mounted on a rolling cart so it can be moved as needed to accommodate different groups. The large-format display makes for easy senior viewing and touching while still promoting physical movement and light stretching.

A smaller touchscreen is integrated into a motorized mobile unit that staff can take from room to room. The cart can be adjusted for height and has an articulated swing arm, so it can be comfortably used by patients whether they are at a table, in a wheelchair, or in bed.

“We dove in head first,” Maggie says.

iN2L Was an Immediate Hit

Official group gatherings are scheduled at 10am (a coffee get-together) and 2pm. In the past, Maggie says, about 10-12 people would attend. Now, it’s easy to accommodate 30-35 people, and folks want to attend because there is much more opportunity to participate. Some residents now come to both sessions.

In addition, the large iN2L touchscreen is available all day in the activities room, and it is well-used. “It gets them down here,” Maggie says, “because there’s always something to do.”

Customizable Content for One and All

The iN2L content stimulates mental and physical engagement, giving residents a chance to learn new things, play games, watch slideshows, test their knowledge in trivia contests or chat about their own past experiences. They can watch a webcam of eagles or hummingbirds. Even bingo is better – the system calls the numbers, which are easily visible on the huge screen.

Interaction is physically therapeutic because it encourages residents to stretch and move more. There’s even a posture reminder that can show whether or not you’re sitting up straight and, if not, how to move into alignment.

In the Nursing Center’s memory care unit, Maggie says the iN2L content provides tactile and visual stimulation in both group and one-on-one settings. But residents are especially enjoying the music – singing along with a lady who plays older tunes they can recall on the guitar.

Oh, the Places You Can Go!

One resident, a gentleman with an aviation past but who is now painfully bed-bound, can settle into the cockpit, take over the joystick, and take flight, thanks to the iN2L airplane simulator.

Other residents are taking scenic bike rides, choosing the type of route they want to follow and pedaling along to exercise their legs on a bike that is connected to the TV with a cable. Those who are in a wheelchair or with limited mobility can “pedal” using their arms instead. There’s a driving simulator, too.

These experiences help give residents a stronger sense of independence and freedom of movement, no matter their current capabilities. “We can’t go out and experience everything for ourselves,” Maggie points out, “but we can experience around the world with iN2L.”

That’s true every day, as residents celebrate National “Something” Day. With the iN2L content system, the celebration can include relevant videos, facts and trivia, pictures or slide shows that are both educational and fun.

Personalized Pages for Residents and Families to Share

Each resident has a personal portal as well, to facilitate interactions with family members near and far.

Families can send photos and old vacation pictures or videos for reminiscing, and residents can send photos or videos to family members. Depending on personal preferences, this engagement section can also include games, music, TV shows, etc.

Staff Benefit, Too

Maggie reports the iN2L system is easy for “non-techies” such as herself to use. It gives staff more resources, putting a wide range of high-quality content at their fingertips so they can provide meaningful, stimulating activities for residents. That means Maggie and her assistants can spend more time personally interacting with residents individually. Seeing which sorts of content appeal to each resident also helps staff learn more about their backgrounds and personal interests.

Magnolia Manor was able to obtain this outstanding iN2L technology thanks to the efforts of Senior Vice President Hill Fort. After seeing a demonstration at a conference, he negotiated two grants from the manufacturer – a chance to use the systems in return for providing feedback to the company to help them further improve their products. Magnolia Manor in Buena Vista is participating along with the Americus Nursing Center.

“It’s been a blessing,” says Maggie.

Providing the Best in Skilled Nursing

At Magnolia Manor, we are dedicated to staying up-to-date on the latest in senior living so that we can continue to provide quality care for your loved ones. You can learn more about skilled nursing care or senior living at any of our nine campuses in south Georgia by contacting us at 855.540.LIFE (3533).