Challenge
During a full-property renovation, the leadership team at Holiday Woods at Canco, a Holiday by Atria senior living community in Portland, ME, recognized an opportunity to enhance the lives of their residents and staff through better technology.
At the time, the community relied on a traditional cable model. While basic cable was available, any upgrades, such as DVR or Wi-Fi, required individuals to handle them on their own. This meant scheduling install appointments, paying separate hook-up fees, and managing billing directly with providers. For many residents, this process was confusing and frustrating, often leading them to rely on staff for support. In addition, Wi-Fi access was limited property-wide, only available from the property in common areas through a shared guest network. As more residents connected, speeds slowed and reliability declined, which negatively impacted both residents and staff.
For residents, their families, and staff members, expectations of technology were evolving. Residents were looking for reliable in-room internet, the ability to record and watch television content on their own schedule, and a more connected way to stay informed about community life.
Atria’s leadership knew their technology needed a significant upgrade to foster a more modern and integrated approach within the community. They also understood that the introduction of new technology could often leave residents feeling confused as they navigated unfamiliar systems, while staff faced the challenge of managing increased tech support calls. Unfortunately, their existing cable provider was unable to offer the necessary upgrades or the level of customer service required to ensure a smooth transition.
Solution
The technology system upgrade at Holiday Woods of Canco went smoothly and was very well received. Because the Groove team and Atria’s leadership prioritized communication and support, the community embraced the change with confidence.
Managed Wi-Fi with Private Area Networks
Managed Wi-Fi with Private Area Networks (PANs) became the foundation of the upgrade. Residents were now automatically connected when they moved in, with no need to schedule their own internet accounts or manage separate bills. Each resident had a secure, reliable network that worked from day one, providing fiber-fast secure connectivity in their homes and throughout the property.
Groove’s Streaming Platform
Groove’s Streaming Platform brought together live TV, recorded content, and community information into one simple interface. It also gave the community greater control over channels and custom features, allowing customizations to be made in minutes rather than weeks.
Digital Signage Enhancements
Digital Signage Enhancements created a more connected environment by ensuring that community updates and event information were consistently shared both in common areas and within resident rooms. This helped residents stay informed and engaged no matter where they were.
DIRECTV with DVR
DIRECTV with DVR introduced elevated entertainment and flexibility into residents’ daily routines. They could now record and return to their favorite programming on their own schedule, allowing them to enjoy meals, activities, and social time without missing what they wanted to watch. In addition, they had access to DIRECTV’s large selection of live TV, shows, movies, sports, and streaming options.
Low Voltage & Infrastructure Upgrades
Low Voltage & Infrastructure Upgrades provided the strong digital foundation needed to support all of these systems reliably, both now and into the future.
Results
The technology system upgrade at Holiday Woods of Canco went smoothly and was very well received. Because the Groove team and Atria’s leadership prioritized communication and support, the community embraced the change with confidence.
Upgraded
Tech
Managed Wi-Fi eliminated the challenges of the previous shared network, providing consistent, secure connectivity in every apartment.
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Residents were able to stay better connected with family and access online services without frustration. The addition of DVR made daily life more flexible, allowing residents to watch content on their own schedule. At the same time, the integration of community information into the television platform made it easier for them to stay engaged and informed.
Less-Burdened
Staff
With Groove’s dedicated support team available directly to residents, the time spent troubleshooting technology issues was greatly reduced.
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For staff, the impact was significant. With Groove’s dedicated support team available directly to residents, the time spent troubleshooting technology issues was greatly reduced.
Supported
Residents
Underlying all of these improvements was Groove’s approach to service.
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Groove’s approach is to regard every community with a deep sense of respect for the trust placed in them. Entering a resident’s home was never taken lightly, and the team remained mindful of residents’ time, comfort, and experience in every interaction. This commitment to care, communication, and consistency was reflected in the positive experience felt throughout the community.
Communication & Customer Experience
From the very beginning, this project was defined by a strong commitment to communication and customer care. As a leading senior living proptech provider nationwide, Groove understood that introducing new technology to this community required trust, clarity, and ongoing support.
Over a three-month preparation period, Groove worked closely with both staff and residents to ensure everyone felt informed and comfortable with what was ahead. The team made a deliberate effort to over-communicate by providing multiple touchpoints that explained what was changing, why it mattered, and how it would benefit residents.
Two town halls were held, each attended by approximately 40 residents. Designed to be interactive and approachable, these discussions allowed residents to see demonstrations, ask questions, and start to become familiar with the new technology. The goal was not just to inform, but to make the new tech feel engaging and enjoyable. Residents received clear, easy-to-understand packets that outlined what new technology was coming, instructions on how to use the new tech (e.g., remote control guide), and who to contact for support.
For those unable to attend the town halls, Groove ensured they still received the same level of attention and care. A dedicated Technology Concierge spent time at the community after the installation took place. This Groove team member met residents one-on-one to help with personal devices like tablets, distributed customer support contact information cards, and offered small group training sessions. This hands-on, “white glove” approach allowed residents to learn at their own pace and ask questions in a comfortable setting.
The enhanced level of care helped transform what could have been a stressful change into a positive and supportive experience. Residents felt heard, prepared, and confident using their new entertainment and connectivity systems.
Outcome
The partnership between Holiday Woods at Canco and Groove Technology Solutions resulted in a community that felt more connected, more supported, and better prepared for the future. Residents benefited from technology that worked seamlessly from the moment they moved in. Staff gained a trusted partner who not only provided an advanced technology upgrade but also ongoing support that enhanced daily operations.
While the installation itself was completed efficiently, what truly defined the success of this project was the ongoing support that continues to happen to this day. While technical accuracy and swiftness of completion are important when going through a technology upgrade, it is the day-to-day service and responsiveness that make the greatest difference over time. Maintaining a five-star level of partnership throughout the life of the contract is a core priority to Groove, ensuring that both residents and staff continue to feel supported long after installation is complete.
By combining thoughtful technology solutions with a genuine dedication to service, Groove delivered more than an upgrade at Holiday Woods at Canco; they built a lasting partnership centered on trust, reliability, and putting residents first.