Advancing Smart Home Tech

April 7, 2026 —As part of TKC’s ongoing efforts to enhance support and focus on integrating smart home technology across Affiliates, a Smart Home Sprint Group initiative has launched that will support Affiliates in designing environments that safely uses technology that anticipates needs and support daily routines, and create spaces where residents and members truly thrive.

A Collaborative Vision

To best develop a connected program and resources that could serve Kendal Affiliates, the sprint group includes 20 people representing the leadership team, clinicians, IT staff, and, most importantly, the residents themselves.

By gathering members from Kendal Affiliates across the System, the group will help ensure that decisions reflect shared values and prioritize safety and privacy. The Kendal ,Corporation plays a vital role in leading this process, guiding the collaboration to ensure the technology is rolled out carefully, safely, and innovatively over a 15-month period. Uniting these different perspectives helps us build a program that is truly resident-centered.

Guided by Expertise

Leading this transformative work is Jason Eldridge, Director of Health Services at The Kendal Corporation. Jason brings a profound level of expertise, bridging his vast experience in compassionate care and his technical expertise.

As a Registered Nurse (RN) and a seasoned tech professional, he intimately understands the nuanced needs of older adults and the dedicated staff who support them. Jason specializes in Electronic Health Records (EHR), Healthcare IT, Informatics, and Nursing. His unique background ensures that our technology investments remain focused on improving lives and keep the human element at the heart of every digital upgrade.

Creating a Meaningful Smart Home Experience

The Sprint Group is collaboratively evaluating systems that will empower residents and members and ease daily challenges. Their work centers around four main pillars of technology:

• Convenience and Accessibility
  Voice-controlled systems and central tablets will allow residents to effortlessly manage their lighting, temperature, and daily routines, regardless of physical mobility.
• Passive Monitoring
  Unobtrusive sensors will track vital signs and overall well-being. This provides peace of mind and essential health data without requiring the resident to be actively engaged.
• Resident Safety
  Advanced fall detection and aging-in-place technologies will help ensure that help is always available when needed, promoting secure and independent living.
• Core Applications
  A central platform, such as Kendal Connect, will consolidate essential information about community life. This keeps residents, families, and staff connected and informed.

Embracing the Future Together

Integrating smart home technology is a thoughtful, phased process. By prioritizing interoperability, resident privacy, and ease of use, the sprint group is laying the foundation for a deeply supportive environment. Kendal is building spaces where individuals can age in place safely, surrounded by meaningful support and the people they care about.