With its incorporation of state-of-the-art smart technology, TLC Properties is redefining modern living throughout its 30-plus communities. The development and property management company headquartered in Springfield, Mo., is creating a true “car to couch experience,” allowing apartment homes to intuitively anticipate residents’ needs.
This effortless integration of smart technology not only enhances security but transforms the fabric of a living space into a personalized haven, where a home responds to a resident’s needs with the touch of a button or a simple voice command.
Matt Williams, Chief Technology Officer for TLC Properties, has spearheaded the initiative to elevate this smart technology throughout the company’s properties. Taking innovation to the next level, Williams and the TLC Properties team are pioneering a unique approach by seamlessly merging technology with a focus on well-being and mental health, employing cutting edge Internet of Things (IoT) strategies and integrations. In essence, TLC Properties wants to conscientiously integrate technology into the daily lives of residents with a keen awareness of its impact on their overall wellness.
“With the devolution of our mental health as a country, we want to make sure that everything we develop for our residents is intentional,” Williams says. “There needs to be a responsible acknowledgement of the psychology behind implementing tech into people’s lives. It needs to be a complete, full, positive and healthy experience.”
But the vision doesn’t end there. TLC Properties is setting its sights on an even more ambitious goal — seamlessly integrating wellness and mental health into the fabric of its residences. Williams likens this endeavor to a proactive 1970s mood ring, albeit one that actually delivers results. Envision a device similar to a smart ring, designed to measure heart rate variability (HRV), a direct indicator of mood. Assigned a value such as 1 to 5 for happiness, 6 to 10 for neutrality or 10 to 15 for agitation, this innovative technology provides tangible insights into residents’ emotional states. Once these moods are quantified, they can be effortlessly shared and communicated throughout the entire IoT ecosystem, fostering a holistic approach to well-being within the TLC Properties community.
Expanding on the concept of the “car to couch,” rather than initiating a singular routine with a generic “I’m home” announcement, a more sophisticated approach involves pre-programming automations based on the specified range values. These meticulously configured automations have the power to seamlessly control and adjust sight, sound, smell and feel of the apartment as soon as residents step through the door. Imagine the ambiance adjusting to a preferred settings creating an environment that aligns perfectly with your mood and preferences. This dynamic system isn’t static; it continuously reassesses and adapts to ensure an optimal living experience tailored to the ever-changing needs and desires of the resident.
Renowned for its commitment to innovation and customer-centric approach, TLC Properties is crafting communities that transcend the ordinary, leaving residents unable to imagine life without it.
“The vision for this development came to me from the senior world. In our aging communities loneliness and depression are huge roadblocks,” Williams says. “Then it became clear that it isn’t just seniors. The thought is if your values are being measured at “lonely” or “getting blue,” then you could automatically have a device offer to drop in on a family member for company, or even alert a designated contact.”
This level of innovation not only signifies a groundbreaking leap forward but also translates into a tangible return on investment (ROI) through the awe-inspiring “wow” factor. The infusion of value into assets, reduced insurance cost and turnover, numerous touch points for resident interaction and access to large amounts of anonymous data that can be used to better tailor services and resident experiences also showcases the multifaceted benefits.
Smart technology has undeniably transformed the way we live and the future promises even greater integration and sophistication. As technology evolves, TLC Properties will continue shaping the future of smart living.
Jill Finney is the Senior Staff Writer for TLC Properties.