Senior living technology is often judged by what happens during a single moment: the service starts late, the mic cuts out, the screen won’t turn on, or the “one person who knows how to run it” isn’t available. That’s not a technology problem. It’s a planning and standardization problem.

In retirement and senior living communities, AV systems must support daily programming, connection, comfort, and consistency. And as expectations rise, IT teams are being asked to support more spaces, more hybrid needs, and more resident-facing technology with fewer resources. Thoughtful design, not chasing the latest trends, is what is most important and will determine the success of AV technology projects. Whether it’s a chapel service, a resident meeting, a fitness class, a dining room celebration, or a watch party for major national events, technology should simply work, every time.

IMS helps assisted living, independent living, and senior living communities upgrade and standardize AV systems across a variety of spaces, including community rooms, auditoriums, chapels, dining spaces, offices, and multipurpose rooms. Our methodology and design practices prioritize resident engagement, staff efficiency, and long-term scalability, reducing the frustration caused by inconsistent systems and outdated equipment.

Why AV Technology in Senior Living Communities Often Fails

Many communities inherit technology built over the years by different vendors. Some systems were deployed by residential installers, others by consultants tasked with fixing a single issue, and others were pieced together with cheap equipment because that’s all the budget allowed. The result? A campus where all rooms behave differently because technology was implemented on a one-off basis without a long-term plan, resulting in:

• Inconsistent experiences because every room works differently
• Equipment that is difficult to maintain or obsolete
• Staff and residents who struggle to operate systems
• Events that depend on that one “tech-savvy” person being available to handle the AV
• Microphone dropouts and unclear audio that derail programs
• Limited hybrid options and participation

Reliable AV That Supports Community Life

IMS is experienced in designing AV technology systems to the specific needs of senior living environments, where clarity, ease-of-use, and accessibility are most important.

Resident Engagement & Experience

Residents thrive when they stay socially engaged, and ease of participation is critical for engagement. There are many ways that AV technology can support engagement, including:

• Live streaming of worship services, memorials, and community events to allow for hybrid participation or sharing experiences with family members
• In-house broadcast distribution to resident rooms
• Video conferencing spaces to connect with family and remote guests
• Watch parties for major events (including America 250 celebration spotlight moments)
• Immersive programming, such as virtual trips, educational presentations, and interactive experiences

Ease of Use for Staff and Residents

IMS designs systems that are intuitive to use, including touch-panel controls and consistent room workflows. Consistent, intuitive systems allow staff and residents to operate AV confidently without relying on IT support for every event. That means fewer meeting/event fails, fewer urgent calls, and more successful programming.

Audio That’s Designed for Real Listening

In senior living spaces, audio clarity is essential. We design and commission sound systems for intelligibility, including DSP tuning, proper speaker placement, microphone reliability, and acoustic best practices to ensure that everyone can hear clearly and without strain.

Proactive Planning

It is very common for legacy systems to be in place, and organizations often take a phased approach to projects rather than replacing all equipment immediately. We take a forward-looking approach in evaluating what can continue to be used for a period of time and what should be upgraded sooner. This type of planning spreads out the investment, supports proper budget planning, avoids costly missteps, and ensures each phase fits within the long-term vision and plan.

Visual Comfort & Display Clarity

From auditoriums to dining rooms, display design has to take visibility challenges and room lighting conditions into consideration. IMS specifies professional-grade displays and projection solutions that are properly sized for each space, properly mounted, and comfortable for daily use.

A Future-Proof Partnership

As more tech-savvy Baby Boomers enter and Gen-Xers approach the age to enter retirement and senior living communities, technology expectations will rise. IMS builds scalable infrastructure which supports future growth, enables project planning across additional spaces, and is adaptable to emerging accessibility technologies.

Click here to view a comprehensive case study detailing recent AV technology projects in a Philadelphia senior living facility.

Managed Services That Reduce Stress

When your team is lean, AV problems can feel like constant fires.

IMS provides managed services and a variety of support options, including remote monitoring and on-site troubleshooting, as well as on-site staffing to augment your team, to reduce downtime and enhance the resident experience.

Award-Winning Provider

IMS projects have been recognized by Commercial Integrator as best-in-class 6 times since 2017, including 5 consecutive wins (2021-2025).  In December 2025, we were also recognized as Integrator of the Year. This recognition, co-presented by Commercial Integrator, Security Sales & Integration and NSCA, reflects not just our technical achievements but also our unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and client success.

Let’s Talk About Your Spaces

When senior living AV works well, residents engage more, staff stress decreases, and community life becomes richer and more connected. The goal isn’t trendy technology; it’s the right technology to support the daily resident experience.

Whether you’re renovating one multipurpose room or standardizing technology across multiple campuses, IMS can help you build a roadmap that improves usability today and is scalable into the future.

Schedule a consultation about best-practice room designs for senior living environments.

Share This Article