Connectivity Challenges Before the Upgrade
An assisted living facility (let’s call it Sunrise Haven) was struggling with outdated wireless infrastructure. Residents often complained of weak Wi-Fi signals and spotty cellular reception, especially in their rooms. This wasn’t just an inconvenience—it was impacting care. Reliable connectivity is now a baseline expectation in senior care, as more older adults use smartphones, video chat, and telehealth services to stay connected with family and doctors. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) even considers Wi-Fi a “basic standard of convenience and comfort” that every nursing home resident should have access to. Yet at Sunrise Haven, poor coverage was causing dropped video calls and frustration for residents and staff alike.
Several factors contributed to the problem. The facility’s concrete walls and large campus hindered cellular signals, leaving dead zones where cell phones couldn’t connect. The existing Wi-Fi network was aging and didn’t cover all corners of the building. In fact, when the original network was installed years ago, nobody anticipated today’s demands for ubiquitous connectivity. There were too few access points, resulting in strong Wi-Fi in some common areas but spotty coverage in resident apartments.
This meant a resident might stream a movie in one room, only to lose the signal when moving to another. It also meant that during the 2020 lockdowns, virtual tours and telehealth appointments were frequently disrupted – an issue many senior living operators like Enlivant discovered when they found their Wi-Fi couldn’t reliably support Zoom calls.
The unreliable cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity posed real risks. Residents who tried to use telehealth for remote doctor visits often experienced lag or dropped connections, undermining the convenience of remote care. Staff members relying on mobile devices or wireless nurse call systems found that weak signals hampered internal communication, potentially delaying response times in emergencies. Indeed, a strong cell signal is critical for everything from staff coordination to resident safety systems. “Poor or no cell service isn’t an option for assisted living communities,” one industry expert noted – seniors need to stay in touch, and staff need reliable communications for care and security.
For Sunrise Haven, it was clear that the status quo of outdated routers and patchwork fixes was no longer sufficient.
Solution: A Comprehensive 4G/5G and Managed Wi-Fi Overhaul
Sunrise Haven’s management turned to Mercury Communications, LLC, a specialist in connectivity solutions, to resolve these issues. Mercury Communications stepped in as the connectivity expert, conducting a thorough site survey of the building’s dead zones, capacity needs, and existing infrastructure. The findings confirmed that a two-pronged upgrade was needed: boosting the cellular signal throughout the facility and deploying a new managed Wi-Fi network to provide robust, property-wide coverage.
Mercury’s team designed a solution that combined the latest 4G/5G cellular boosting technology with an enterprise-grade Wi-Fi overhaul:
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Passive DAS Cellular Boosters: Mercury installed passive distributed antenna system (DAS) cell signal boosters at strategic locations in the facility. These boosters capture the existing outdoor 4G/5G LTE signal and amplify it up to 32× inside the building. Unlike expensive active DAS that require fiber optic cabling, the passive DAS approach uses a network of antennas to blanket the facility with strong cellular coverage for all carriers at a fraction of the cost. Now, residents and staff get five bars of signal even in previously dead zones, ensuring that phones, medical alert devices, and tablets stay connected anywhere on campus. This was a game-changer because it eliminated dropped calls and gave families peace of mind that they could reach their loved ones at any time.
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Managed Wi-Fi 6 Network: Alongside the cellular boost, Mercury completely upgraded Sunrise Haven’s assisted living facilities Wi-Fi infrastructure. They replaced outdated routers with a unified, cloud-managed Wi-Fi 6 network. The number of wireless access points (APs) was tripled – from just a handful to a dense grid of APs covering every wing and floor. This ensured seamless Wi-Fi roaming throughout the property, from resident apartments to common areas and outdoor courtyards. Mercury’s engineers ran new cabling and installed modern switches and firewalls to support the increased load and to prioritize critical traffic like video calls and medical data. The network was segmented into separate SSIDs for residents, guests, and staff/medical devices, with appropriate security on each. Importantly, Mercury implemented robust network management tools (via a cloud dashboard) to monitor performance in real time and quickly address any issues – a necessity since reliability was paramount for telehealth sessions and EHR access.
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Optimization & Testing: After installation, Mercury rigorously tested the network. They conducted heat-map surveys to verify there were no more Wi-Fi dead spots and that signal strength was strong in every resident’s room. They also tested cellular calls in elevators, basement areas, and all hard-to-reach corners – all came back with excellent signal. Mercury optimized the Wi-Fi channels to minimize interference, and set up quality-of-service rules so that, for example, a telehealth video call gets bandwidth priority over someone streaming entertainment. Finally, Mercury provided on-site training to staff on the new systems and set up a 24/7 support line as part of their managed service, so the facility’s team could rely on Mercury for any connectivity troubleshooting going forward.
Mercury’s comprehensive approach meant Sunrise Haven received a turnkey solution: improved 4G/5G coverage plus a modern, high-speed Wi-Fi network, all installed with minimal disruption to residents. The installation was phased wing by wing, and Mercury technicians worked during off-peak hours to avoid interfering with daily routines. In just a matter of weeks, Sunrise Haven went from a connectivity “black hole” to a state-of-the-art connected community.
Results: Improved Care, Safety, and Resident Satisfaction
The results of the upgrade were immediate and dramatic. Residents, staff, and even visiting family members felt the difference in their daily interactions. Some of the key improvements and benefits realized after Mercury’s installation include:
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Reliable Telehealth and Family Connections: Perhaps the most profound impact was on residents’ ability to stay connected with the outside world. With facility-wide strong Wi-Fi, video calls and telehealth sessions now run smoothly, without the fear of freezing or dropping. Seniors at Sunrise Haven assisted living facility can consult with their doctors remotely via telehealth platforms from the comfort of their rooms, and these virtual visits are crystal-clear. Family members report that they can finally have lag-free Zoom calls with their loved ones. This has reduced feelings of isolation among residents and reassured families. In fact, technology like video calling and telemedicine directly improves the well-being of senior residents, helping them stay socially and medically engaged. Wi-Fi makes it possible to reduce residents’ isolation by enabling these connections, and Sunrise Haven is seeing that first-hand. (During the pandemic lockdowns, such connectivity was a lifeline; now it’s become a standard aspect of daily life.)
Reliable wireless internet now allows Sunrise Haven assisted living facility residents to engage in telehealth sessions and video chats from anywhere in the facility. The leadership at Sunrise Haven also noted a change in culture: residents are more tech-empowered now. Many have started using tablets provided by their families or the facility to participate in virtual activities, manage their medications online, or simply stream their favorite shows. The facility’s executive director remarked that after the upgrade, “It feels like we’ve opened a window to the world for our residents.” This qualitative outcome is backed by industry trends – older adults are embracing technology when connectivity allows it, using digital tools for health information, entertainment, and even creative expression.
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Enhanced Assisted Living Staff Communication and Efficiency: Staff members at Sunrise Haven experienced an immediate improvement in their workflows. Nurses and caregivers can now use Wi-Fi enabled tablets on their rounds to access electronic health records (EHR) in real-time at the bedside, instead of handwritten logs or walking back to a nurses’ station desktop. As a result, documentation is more accurate and instantaneous. Mercury’s network design ensured that the staff devices have a secure, dedicated wireless network with priority, so critical clinical apps run without a hitch. Additionally, with solid cellular coverage throughout the building, caregivers and administration can rely on their mobile phones and paging apps to communicate instantly in emergencies or coordinate care, even in areas where they previously had no bars. This has increased staff productivity and responsiveness. Industry examples have shown that when nurses can access records anywhere and when smart medical devices automatically update resident data over Wi-Fi, it saves time and leads to better overall care. Sunrise Haven’s staff echo this – they report spending less time on paperwork and more time with residents. One nurse noted that she “no longer has to hunt for a good signal or find a computer; I can enter vitals into our system right at the resident’s bedside.” Management has quantified some of these gains: since the upgrade, they estimate nursing staff save 15 minutes per shift per staff member on documentation tasks, adding up to dozens of hours reclaimed each month for direct patient care.
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Improved Emergency Response and Safety Systems: With Mercury’s upgrades, emergency call systems and monitoring devices became more reliable. The facility had a safety system where residents could press a pendant or call button to alert staff; previously, if those devices relied on Wi-Fi or cellular, they were only as reliable as the network. Now, with rock-solid coverage, such alerts reach staff without delay. Moreover, Sunrise Haven introduced new IoT-based safety measures taking advantage of the improved network. For example, they set up an emergency mass notification system that can broadcast alerts over the internet (using technologies like InformaCast) in case of a campus-wide issue – this system requires robust connectivity to work, which Mercury’s network provides. They also began using wireless health monitoring devices (like connected blood pressure cuffs and fall sensors) that immediately log data to the resident’s record or alert staff if something’s wrong. These kinds of innovations are only possible with a strong network backbone. Sunrise Haven’s director of nursing commented that the upgrade “future-proofed” the community’s safety infrastructure – “We can now confidently deploy new healthcare technologies knowing our network can handle it.” This aligns with what other senior care organizations have found: better connectivity supports new initiatives like wireless vital sign kiosks, thermal screening cameras, and telehealth carts for remote consultations.
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Higher Assisted Living Facility Resident Satisfaction & Competitive Edge: The connectivity upgrades have also translated into happier residents and families. Internal surveys at Sunrise Haven showed a significant uptick in satisfaction scores related to “technology and internet access.” Residents appreciate that they can stream TV shows or use Facebook without frustration, and families feel better knowing they can reach their loved ones anytime. Management noticed fewer complaints about Wi-Fi or phone service – what used to be a weekly grievance is now virtually nonexistent. This plays into the facility’s marketing as well. Sunrise Haven now proudly advertises its “state-of-the-art 5G Wi-Fi connectivity” as an amenity. This is increasingly important because the next generation of residents is far more tech-savvy and expects robust internet access as a given. As one industry report noted, supporting residents’ devices and connectivity needs is “an attractive amenity for senior care organizations”. Sunrise Haven’s investment is already paying off: they’ve seen an increase in inquiries and tours from seniors (and their adult children) who mention the importance of internet connectivity in their decision-making. In a competitive market, the facility’s modern infrastructure sets it apart. Strong Wi-Fi and cellular service can even boost a community’s bottom line – satisfied residents are more likely to stay, improving retention and increasing the community’s reputation and value. Sunrise Haven’s occupancy has ticked up by a few percentage points since the upgrade, and management believes the connectivity and related telehealth services have been a contributing factor.
In summary, the upgrade has transformed daily life at Sunrise Haven. Where once there were complaints and workarounds, there is now a smoothly functioning, invisible backbone of connectivity. Residents are safer, less isolated, and more engaged. Assisted Living Staff are more efficient and can focus on care rather than tech problems. The facility is leveraging the network for new programs (like placing Amazon Echo Shows in common areas for resident use, and piloting “smart apartment” features such as connected thermostats and voice-activated assistants). As Enlivant’s CIO Justin Sheppard aptly said about his organization’s similar upgrade, these investments in connectivity have become the “foundation” for current and future care innovations – a baseline expectation from residents and families.
Mercury Communications: The Connectivity Expert Behind the Scenes
Mercury Communications, LLC played a pivotal role in making these outcomes possible. As specialists in 4G/5G solutions for senior care facilities and managed network solutions, Mercury acted as a turnkey partner for Sunrise Haven’s connectivity overhaul – from initial assessment through installation and ongoing support. Mercury’s expertise meant the facility didn’t have to juggle multiple vendors or worry about technical details; Mercury handled everything. They coordinated with cellular carriers, integrated the latest hardware, and optimized the network specifically for the needs of a senior living (and assisted living facilities) environment (high reliability, security, and ease of use).
What truly set Mercury apart was their understanding of why connectivity matters in senior assisted living care. They knew that it wasn’t just about faster internet – it was about enabling better care and quality of life. Mercury’s team tailored the solution to Sunrise Haven’s care goals, ensuring telehealth sessions would be crystal clear, that staff could roam with their devices, and that residents could connect with family as easily as if they were at home.
Throughout the process, Mercury provided professional, trustworthy guidance, helping Sunrise Haven’s administrators make informed decisions on technology upgrades. The measurable improvements – from higher resident satisfaction to more efficient operations – are a testament to Mercury Communication’s role as a connectivity leader in the senior care industry.
Mercury Communications delivered exactly what we needed: a modern wireless infrastructure that lets us focus on caring for our residents, not worrying about network drops. “It’s like Mercury brought us from the digital dark ages into the light,” the Sunrise Haven administrator joked. For any senior assisted living facility facing connectivity challenges, partnering with experts like Mercury can be transformative. As senior communities increasingly adopt smart technologies and telehealth, having a reliable network isn’t just nice-to-have – it’s mission-critical for better care. Mercury Communications stands ready as the go-to expert to design and manage those networks, so that assisted living facilities like Sunrise Haven can deliver the exceptional, connected care that today’s seniors deserve.
