The Glenwood Community: Pioneering Innovation and History to Redefine Senior Living

In the heart of Marietta, Ohio—the first permanent U.S. settlement in the Northwest Territory—an innovative program is bringing cutting-edge technology and visionary entrepreneurship to the forefront of senior living. The pioneering Entrepreneur in Residence program at The Glenwood Community, a picturesque independent living community nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, is proving that even in historic settings, the future is alive and thriving. 

Combining History and Innovation

Marietta’s rich history dates back to 1788, yet this charming city has become an unlikely home for technological advancements and forward-thinking solutions designed to enhance the lives of older adults. The Glenwood Community, which has been serving seniors in the Mid-Ohio Valley for more than 25 years, has embraced this juxtaposition of old and new by establishing the Entrepreneur in Residence program—a dynamic opportunity where entrepreneurs and innovators bring cutting-edge ideas directly to the people who stand to benefit the most: the residents. 

A Unique Opportunity for Entrepreneurs and Residents

“The Entrepreneur in Residence program allows us to continuously innovate and bring ideas for improvement and engagement to our aging population,” said Linda Dailey, Senior Executive Director of The Glenwood Community. “By hosting these innovators on campus, we provide them with real-world experience while giving our residents access to the latest advancements in care and technology.”

The program invites innovators to live on The Glenwood Community campus for 2-3 weeks, immersing themselves in the daily rhythms of resident life. They stay in an apartment, engage with the community, and gain hands-on experience by testing their products and ideas in a real-life setting. In turn, Glenwood’s residents are provided with a unique opportunity to interact with new technologies, offer valuable feedback and forge connections with the entrepreneurs behind these advancements. It’s a relationship built on collaboration, where both parties learn from each other. 

“It’s been exciting to be part of something new and different,” said one Glenwood resident. “We get to try these amazing new technologies, but more than that, we get to know the innovators personally, and it’s like welcoming new friends into our community.” 

Advancing Incontinence Care with Advosense

Glenwood’s inaugural Entrepreneur in Residence, Martina Viduka, brought Advosense to the community. Advosense is revolutionizing incontinence care by developing the next generation of products that empower clinicians to better meet their patients’ needs. By introducing this innovative solution, Martina offered residents and staff a glimpse into the future of personalized healthcare, enhancing the quality of life for older adults. 

Fostering Collaborative Innovation

As the program grows, Michael Hughes, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Transformation and Innovation Officer at United Church Homes, emphasized its broader impact: “This initiative reflects our desire to bring senior living residents into the innovation process – right from the beginning.  By inviting entrepreneurs to live and learn alongside our community, we create a space for real innovation to flourish—where residents and innovators can shape tomorrow, together.” 

Tech Innovations Transforming Senior Living

Innovation at The Glenwood Community goes beyond just hosting entrepreneurs. Promising technologies like the PingCares smartwatch are also being tested here, offering more than just a way to tell the time. This advanced wearable provides secure two-way communication between residents and Glenwood staff, allowing both text and voice interactions. Additionally, it enables residents to check their steps, monitor vital signs, and even engage with fun features like trivia questions or jokes of the day. Any stereotype about older adults being tech-averse is quickly dispelled when you see how seamlessly they embrace these cutting-edge solutions. Alongside this, Dhaval Patel, a former Apple engineer and the second entrepreneur in residence, is developing a wearable ring that uses infrared technology to perform tasks such as turning lights on and off, offering residents even greater control over their environments.

Living and Learning Together: Entrepreneurs in Action

“As a nurse innovator, I loved this idea because it demonstrated true collaborative innovation,” said Viduka. “Not only was I privy to the everyday nuances of caregiving; I was part of the team. I could feel and understand the complexity and challenges of the care environment, and I experienced the deep rewards of caring for the residents.  

Viduka’s sentiments reflect the essence of the program. Innovators get the chance to observe and participate in daily activities, job shadow employees and form meaningful connections with residents. This experience offers insights into the culture, operations and overall lifestyle at The Glenwood Community, fostering an environment where technology is seamlessly integrated with resident life. 

A Vision for the Future of Senior Living

It’s not just about testing gadgets or apps—entrepreneurs gain a deeper understanding of the people they’re serving. And for Glenwood’s residents, it’s an opportunity to explore new technologies, meet fascinating people and play an active role in shaping the future of senior living. 

The surrounding environment is as inspiring as the program itself. Glenwood sits in a setting that resembles a state park, complete with wildlife, ponds and scenic walking paths. With The Pines at Glenwood offering assisted living services on campus and the nearby Harmar Place Community providing additional care, Glenwood stands as a central hub for older adults in the Mid-Ohio Valley to thrive. The Glenwood Community is a place where nature, history and modernity converge—an embodiment of Marietta’s old-world charm infused with forward-thinking innovation.

As the program looks ahead, The Glenwood Community aims to host at least six entrepreneurs each year, continually bringing new perspectives and ideas to the community. The Entrepreneur in Residence program is proving that The Glenwood Community is becoming a beacon for what’s next in senior living. The blend of Marietta’s rich history, combined with Glenwood’s cutting-edge innovations, showcases how tradition and progress can seamlessly coexist, creating significant benefits for both the innovators and the older adults they serve.