Swansea, IL - Sycamore Village Assisted Living received third place in a national video contest held by It's Never Too Late (IN2L), an adaptative computer software company.  Presented at the Pioneer Network's National Conference in Indianapolis, IN, the video was meant to showcase the use of technology in personalized care at a senior living community. 

Sycamore Village has been previously recognized by the Pioneer Network for the "Returning the Love" program that the administration initiated and implemented and are most recently featured in a new book, entitled Tales from the Prairie, published by the Illinois Pioneer Coalition. An earlier blog, located on our website, describes the program and the dedication that Sycmaore Village and the Pioneer Network have in promoting culture change in senior living communities.  Memory enrichment and personalized care have been at the forefront for both groups.  By using the IN2L system, Sycamore Village has enabled their residents to interact and learn in new and exciting ways.  The IN2L provides "individualized, accessible engagement that enhances cognitive function, memory and quality of life."  All done through touch screen, the system offers:

• Activities to encourage lifelong learning
• Programs for cognitive stimulation, physical engagement and fun
• Email and web cam capabilities
• Ability to connect to large screen TVs and projectors for group engagement

Sycamore Village created a video highlighting the interaction of the residents using the IN2L system as well as the activities that evolved from it.  In this particular case, after using the IN2L to watch a video on the history of the Bahamas, the residents shared stories about their past vacations, played in a simulated beach consisting of small pools of sand and water.  The physical sensations brought back even more memories and with "island" inspired music playing, all of the residents and staff members involved shared a dance. Other technology incorporated in the video included the use of Skype.  Through a web camera, a resident video conferences with her grandson in the military.  Being able to see each other while chatting about recent events in each other lives was a special moment for everyone.  Also shown in the video was Sycamore Village's use of their Wii gaming system.  Many of the residents play Wii bowling together and can compete equally, whether they stand alone, with a walker or even in a wheel chair.  With simple hand motions, anyone can participate.  Not only does this provide physical stimulation, but it also helps to build a stronger community through friendship and fun.

The staff and caregivers are dedicated to providing personalized care to each individual.  By engaging with the residents and seeing what they look for on IN2L, they can develop a better understanding of the likes and dislikes of each resident and therefore customize the care and attention they give them.  The technology is just one way in which Sycamore Village is on the forefront of culture change.