Pillar Highlight: Touchtown

As the world becomes more dependent on virtual technology for staying connected, so do older adults.

Amy Kotterman, Director of Customer Experience at United Church Homes said the organization is seeing more new residents with tablets, smartphones and computers. Kotterman added she attributes the isolation experienced during the pandemic to the growing number of older adults wanting access and education on how to use it. "For many people in our communities, technology became the primary way they were able to connect to family, friends and medical providers," said Kotterman. "They began using vearious apps to connect with others, seeking purposeful and individualized engagement."

Kotterman was happy to see this, as she was already working on implementing Touchtown within United Church Homes senior living communities. Touchtown is an online tool that serves as a hub of information for residents, family members and prospects.

Olivia Markley, service coordinator at United Church Homes, The Polaris Community said,

“Touchtown offers residents choice,” Kotterman said. “Individuals using the app can choose what they want to engage in and how to receive the information.”

Through Touchtown, a resident and their family can view the same calendar of events through their mobile phone app, laptop, tablet or on a dedicated V channel throughout the communities.

Olivia Markley, service coordinator at United Church Homes - The Polaris Community said,

“Our residents are very tech-savvy and prefer connecting through their phones or tablets. Touchtown has been very easy for them to use.”

Markley said when families cannot be around, residents are able to use the app to connect with neighbors to play games and plan activities together. has its own tailored version of the application, offering a customized experience for each user.

Touchtown has been implemented in six United Church Homes communities, with nine additional planned in 2022. Each community has its own tailored version of the application, offering a customized experience for each user.

Communities currently utilizing Touchtown:

The Brunswick Community The Glenwood Community The Niles Community The Polaris Community The Trinity Community at Fairwood The Trinity Community at Miami Township

Communities adding Touchtown in 2022:

The Chapel Hill Community The Parkvue Community The Trinity Community at Beavercreek Affordable Housing Communities.