How to prove the ROI of resident engagement in senior living

Resident engagement, and the technology that supports it, have increasingly received more recognition in the senior living industry for cultivating resident well-being, satisfaction, and purpose. With growing awareness of the qualitative impacts of resident engagement solutions, leaders have sought to prove its quantitative impact on the organizational bottom line. But how do you quantify the impact of a new friendship? Or measure the ROI of a moment of connection sparked by a favorite song?

Of course, it’s not only about business outcomes. But engagement technology requires budget allocation, and proof points help secure that. In fact, according to a recent Argentum report, 74% of senior living leaders say the greatest barrier to new technology adoption is the lack of demonstrable ROI.

How do you prove that resident engagement technology doesn’t just make human sense, but business sense?

In partnership with New Perspective, we conducted a first-of-its-kind research study to answer that very question. The results show that when resident engagement and operations technology is deeply embedded into workflows and culture, the impact is tangible.

Here’s how we’ve been able to prove that effective resident engagement solutions elevate not just quality of life, but organizational performance.

Promote resident and staff well-being

Engagement is core to resident well-being. A growing body of research has proven that personalized programming supports older adults’ holistic wellness through social connection, cognitive stimulation, and a sense of purpose.

Technology plays a crucial role here. When resident experience solutions are seamlessly woven into daily workflows, they empower staff to create personalized calendars that reflect resident interests, pair activities with evidence-backed digital content, and foster consistent, enthusiastic participation.

Effective engagement solutions also lighten the burden on staff. When innovative, AI-enabled operational solutions are consolidated and seamlessly embedded into staff workflows, it reduces the manual effort and system-switching that can lead to burnout. And when staff have more time and energy, they can connect with residents in more meaningful ways. The benefits of reduced staff workloads are tangible: a recent systematic review found that the more time residents spent with activities staff, the greater their quality of life, engagement, and mood.

Especially in value-based care models, resident wellness has a direct impact on business objectives. By supporting resident and staff well-being, leaders not only healthy a community culture, but organizational impact as well. 

Drive longer stays

When residents are thriving, they’re more likely to stay longer. And when family members see their loved ones engaged, cared for, and connected, they gain trust and confidence in their choice of community and can contribute to longer stays.

Length of stay (LOS), is a critical metric that helps to capture resident and family satisfaction. It was the metric we examined in our research study with New Perspective, studying its relationship with staff usage of and satisfaction with LifeLoop.

The results were significant: high-usage communities had a 172-day longer LOS compared to the baseline (pre-LifeLoop) period, and even low-usage communities also demonstrated a 33-day increase in LOS. We were also able to see that fully integrated use yielded greater returns—a LOS difference of 139 days. These results correlated with positive staff survey responses, where 96% of staff reported time savings with LifeLoop.

The success of our collaboration with New Perspective wouldn’t have been possible without comprehensive use of the LifeLoop platform across engagement and operations. Through their strategic, portfolio-wide use of LifeLoop, and dedication to consistent staff training and re-training to promote full adoption of our solutions, we were able to produce wide-reaching impacts across their community and organizational outcomes. 

Human connection that fuels business growth

Older adults and their families are selective with the community they choose. They’re not just seeking a place to live, but a lifestyle. One that gives them connection, joy, and purpose.

Deeply embedded engagement solutions help deliver on that promise. They enable staff to build a resident experience that’s dynamic, personalized, and joy-filled. And when residents are happier and stay longer, occupancy grows—fueling a cycle of connection and growth.