Larry Carlson

United Methodist Communities, USA



Biography

Mr. Larry Carlson is president & CEO of United Methodist
Communities which owns and operates nine senior communities
and a homecare agency throughout the state of New
Jersey providing service to 1,400 residents, by over 1,000
associates. Mr. Carlson has over 40 years of leadership experience
in multiple aspects of eldercare including CCRC,
long-term skilled nursing, post-acute rehabilitation, congregate
housing, adult day health, and assisted living. He earned
a Master of Business Administration Degree from Babson
College in Wellesley, MA.

Abstract

Today we utilize technology in virtually every facet of
our lives. We’re connected 24/7 to the world at large
through email, Skype, smartphones, laptops, tablets
and a myriad of other applications and devices. Yet
many older adults, particularly those individuals living
with dementia, have been left out of the technological
revolution. This presentation will feature a U.S. provider
(United Methodist Communities) that has helped shatter
this perception by utilizing engagement technology to
improve the lives of the residents they serve. United
Methodist Communities, located in New Jersey, has a
110-year history of serving elders. These elders range
from the very healthy to the very frail. Inspired by their
mission “compassionately serving in community so that
all are free to choose abundant life”, United Methodist
Communities recognized they needed to jump into
the world of technology. They have been willing to
do this by serving in pilot program opportunities that
advance both wellness and social engagement of
their residents. The ultimate success of their work is
achieved through a team approach involving various
disciplines and job functions. The presentation will go
into detail how this team approach-including activity
directors, nursing assistants, therapists, social workers,
volunteers and family-has worked to integrate the
engagement technology into the community’s day-today
programming. At this session, attendees will be
able to learn about the types of technologies utilized;
hear the reactions of the residents and families, and
learn the outcomes from their work.