When families tour senior living communities, their first question often isn’t about the activity calendar or dining room hours. Instead, it’s usually, ‘Will my loved one’s favorite shows and FaceTime work here?’ Just as important is whether their devices will connect reliably — whether that’s in their room, the garden, or anywhere else in their community.
That moment captures a shift we’re seeing across the sector: connectivity has become core infrastructure. Prospective residents and their families expect strong Wi-Fi everywhere, easy streaming, and simple voice services Communities that deliver this reliably stand out on tours, win move-ins, and keep families engaged. As one recent analysis put it, technology in senior housing is “the new plumbing.”
Why Modernization Matters Now
Older adults are more connected than ever. A new national AARP study reports that 67% of adults 50+ made a tech purchase in the past 12 months, and 64% say they have the digital skills to take advantage of being online. Those habits show up on tour day: residents want streaming, families want video calls, and everyone wants rock-solid Wi-Fi.
How CSS Helps Communities Make it Possible
As Incite’s new business partner, Commercial Satellite Sales (CSS) is an authorized DIRECTV dealer that builds senior living-ready entertainment programs, plus streaming options, designed to be easy for residents and staff. In practice, that means:
- DIRECTV and DIRECTV STREAM® options that bring live TV, sports, and on-demand programming, with commercial packaging suitable for IL, AL, memory care, and common areas.
- Single, community-managed deployment (no unit-by-unit contracts), consistent channel lineups, and support built for senior living.
- Alignment with property-wide managed Wi-Fi, so streaming is smooth and residents don’t have to juggle multiple accounts and installers.
A Resident-first Experience (that sales teams love)
Modernizing entertainment and connectivity isn’t just about bits and bandwidth; it’s about daily life:
- Lower hassle: Residents aren’t managing personal installations or waiting for service windows. Family members can help set up streaming profiles in minutes.
- Fewer gaps: Strong Wi-Fi in rooms, lounges, gyms, patios means telehealth, FaceTime with grandkids, and streaming a ballgame just work.
- Better tours: Sales teams can say, “Yes, your favorite shows, video calls, and apps work here.” That builds confidence and reduces move-in friction.
It also supports engagement. Operators increasingly use interactive technologies to address loneliness and drive lifestyle programming – efforts that require reliable connectivity to shine.
Every community is unique, but successful rollouts tend to follow a similar path:
- Audit the property. Identify TV drops, Wi-Fi access points, and any areas with weak signals. Note channel preferences and accessibility needs.
- Design the bundle. Pick the right mix of DIRECTV/DIRECTV STREAM® for resident rooms and common areas, and make sure Wi-Fi is ready.
- Test first. Pilot in a few rooms and a lounge to make sure everything works smoothly and is easy for residents to use.
- Train & communicate. Share simple guides for residents and caregivers to help everyone get started.
- Roll out and refine. Launch community-wide, track usage and satisfaction, and adjust channels or Wi-Fi settings based on feedback.
With this approach, communities can ensure a smooth rollout, happy residents, and a reliable entertainment experience.
Compliance, Choice, and Inclusivity
The best programs are opt-in and transparent, with clear, resident-friendly terms and the option to keep a personal service if preferred. Prioritize accessibility from the start with closed captioning, larger on-screen text, and simplified remotes, while keeping privacy front and center. These details boost resident satisfaction and ease the workload for staff.
Zooming out, the demographic wave and consumer expectations make this an urgent strategic move. Analysts highlight that communities able to translate connectivity into curated, lifestyle-forward experiences will be best positioned as baby boomers age, and as at-home “smart” environments raise the bar for what “good” looks like. At the same time, industry coverage shows tech budgets rising and priorities maturing – from point solutions to foundational infrastructure (high-speed internet, data platforms) that support everything from sales to care. Communities that invest here report stronger engagement and more resilient operations.
What Success Looks Like
When technology simply works, residents can stream their favorite shows, connect with family, and use their devices without frustration. For communities, that means fewer complaints, smoother operations, and a healthier, more predictable return from services that once felt like a cost center.
Ready to explore this for your communities? Incite is thrilled to partner with CSS and DIRECTV to bring senior living operators right-sized TV, streaming, and property-wide Wi-Fi solutions – so your residents stay connected and your teams can stay focused on care. Learn more here or contact us for more information.
