For leading senior living communities like Merrill Gardens, providing an environment that prioritizes both resident well-being and operational efficiency is key. Merrill Gardens, a premier provider of assisted living, memory care, and independent living, sought to evolve its security infrastructure. Their existing access control system, while functional, presented increasing challenges in terms of maintenance and future scalability. They needed a partner capable of implementing advanced security solutions with a deep understanding of the unique dynamics of senior living. Region 6 Systems Integration proved to be that essential partner.
The Challenge: Seamless Transition to Advanced Security
Merrill Gardens manages a diverse portfolio of communities, each with unique operational needs catering to luxury, mid-market, and independent living. Their goal was to transition to a more robust access control system that would elevate security across every unit and common area, ensuring a smooth and intuitive experience for residents and staff alike. The critical need was for a reliable, user-friendly, and locally supported solution that could seamlessly integrate into their existing operations.
Tyler Patton of Merrill Gardens emphasized the delicate nature of such an upgrade: "Access control in every unit can be an invasive experience for residents, and the Region 6 team handled it with extreme care and attention to detail, making the experience extremely smooth and enjoyable for all."
The Solution: A Partnership Defined by Expertise and Care
Merrill Gardens chose Region 6 Systems Integration after a rigorous selection process, recognizing their profound knowledge of security products and their ability to tailor solutions precisely to their needs. With full faith in their expertise and professionalism, Merrill Gardens trusted Region 6 to take "total ownership of the project" from inception to ongoing support.
Region 6's tailored solution for Merrill Gardens included:
Advanced Access Control: Implementing a cutting-edge platform, providing enhanced security and granular control for every unit and common area, including addressing specific senior living nuances, such as ensuring doors would continue to lock behind residents like a hotel feature, while also ensuring access was easy for residents and staff.
Streamlined Rollout and Training: Recognizing the importance of a seamless transition for senior communities, Region 6 provided comprehensive training for both staff and residents. "They're really good at making people aware of the values, benefits, and building support so our residents and team can fully utilize the system and reach out after installation if they have questions," notes Tyler Patton. This proactive approach made the new system adoption a "fun experience" for everyone involved.
Integrated IT Collaboration: Region 6 collaborated directly with Merrill Gardens' IT department, ensuring new systems adhered to stringent firewall and security standards.
Tailored for Senior Living: Region 6 demonstrated a deep understanding of senior housing dynamics, addressing specific concerns such as monitoring unit access at particular times to manage medication and prevent theft. They also designed solutions for memory care units (referred to as "garden houses"), including specific door-locking mechanisms.
Responsive Support and Local Service: A key differentiator was Region 6's commitment to responsive customer service and local support. Unlike the previous vendor's impersonal hotline, Region 6 offers accessible, direct assistance, including on-site troubleshooting nationwide.
Holistic Technology Capabilities: While access control was primary, Region 6's expertise extends to video entry, camera integrations, and other technologies, positioning them as a versatile partner for future enhancements.
The Results: Elevated Security, Enduring Partnerships
The collaboration with Region 6 Systems Integration has significantly enhanced security and operational fluidity across Merrill Gardens communities nationwide. With dozens of projects in progress across multiple states, including Arizona, California, Nevada, Washington, Georgia, and South Carolina, the impact is widespread.
Tyler Patton lauds the success, noting that the response has been "great because of the training" and the inherent value of the product. He highlights the remarkable adoption in even their "most difficult communities." These communities have now "adopted and customized the systems far beyond my expectations.
For Merrill Gardens, the paramount benefit of working with Region 6 is their exceptional customer service. "Tyler is amazing, he's the best of the best, he's personable, relatable, available," praises Patton. The seamless installations and training facilitated by the dedicated efforts of the Region 6 team have created a positive experience for all involved.
Region 6 Systems Integration stands as an ideal partner for the senior living industry. Their profound grasp of security nuances, coupled with their commitment to thoughtful design, comprehensive training, and unparalleled customer service, positions them as a leader in delivering peace of mind—one beautifully integrated system at a time. As Tyler Roach, Managing Partner of Region 6, affirms, "We understand senior housing and enjoy delivering on nationwide projects, creating a better environment for our clients and their residents."