For those who may want to include wellness applications in their properties, the most important thing to do is ensure that each unit is wired with broadband and can accommodate wireless connections. Then pay attention to where jacks are located and where sensors might be placed in a unit to support medical, wellness and climate control applications, advises Paul Sullivan, a former member of Intel’s Digital Health team. Until the cost issues are resolved and demand for health technology reaches critical mass, though, many firms remain hesitant about adopting it in widespread way. Chris Acker, directory of ancillary services at Atlanta-based Post Properties, notes that his company is “keeping our eye” on the developing market of health and wellness technology as part of its overall building automation effort—but for now such services are lower on the priority list.
Still, the interest in wellness and health applications signify a clear move toward Americans’ interest in the “digital home.” Depending on the target market for a property, such services may be a critical selling point, particularly in competitive markets.
ACTION ITEMS HOW TO WIRE YOUR PROPERTIES FOR WELLNESS
Teri Robinson is a freelance writer in New York.