Beacon Hill at Eastgate

Challenge: Michigan Christian Homes, a non-profit retirement community, was operating in an undersized and outdated building in Grand Rapids when their neighbor, Metropolitan Hospital, decided to move across town. The retirement center jumped at the chance to expand their property and develop a modern facility. Their vision, dubbed Beacon Hill at Eastgate, would be a new concept in senior living: a retirement facility with stellar resident services and advanced technology to support today's active seniors.

Solution: Beacon Hill asked MOSS to help them research and design the technology that would help set them apart and stay within their budget. MOSS had all of the tools to make their vision of an active, technologically enabled, senior living community a reality.

MOSS designed an entirely new "green" data network for Beacon Hill using energy-efficient switches, virtual servers and workstations. We also installed a facility-wide wireless, high-speed network to enable total freedom of movement for all mobile devices. MOSS also provided Beacon Hill's staff with new mobile computers, as well as an IP-based voice system for the latest in phone system functionality.

MOSS also recommended and installed a wireless "alert" system to ensure the residents' safety, and designed a wiring plan to allow HD TV in every apartment.

For facility-wide announcements and messaging, MOSS installed HD video monitors, placed strategically throughout the building. We also delivered HD television to every lounge and exercise area, as well as installed HD projectors and high-quality sound systems in the multi-purpose rooms.

MOSS imbedded an inductive loop system into the floor that transmits sound directly to hearing devices for the hearing impaired. To further encourage an active lifestyle, we also installed a large, state-of-the-art golf simulator to enable residents to play the world's most famous courses without having to brave the weather.

All of the cabling for phone, network, security, nurse call, video surveillance and entry systems were installed by MOSS, saving Beacon Hill significant costs over hiring and supervising multiple contractors. MOSS even worked with the owners to evaluate and negotiate contracts with outside services from their phone company and Internet provider.

To help residents and staff best use all of this new technology, MOSS set up "Tech Tuesdays." Every Tuesday, a MOSS helpdesk technician is on-site to troubleshoot any technology problems, help residents connect their devices and to answer other questions. For tech issues, repairs or adjustments any other day of the week, a MOSS technician is available to Beacon Hill around the clock.