Jewish Home Extends TekHub Services to Older Adults in the Rochester Community
Proven program guides the use of devices and computers, increasing confidence and connectivity
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Jewish Home is expanding its TekHub services into the community, guiding older adults as they navigate technology and use digital devices — empowering confidence and enabling those age 55 and older to stay connected and feel secure.
The TekHub team will bring into homes, in person or virtually, the same solutions it has successfully been providing to Jewish Home’s residents at The Summit Independent Living for the last five years, offering personalized guidance in using computers and digital devices. With one-quarter of Monroe County’s population over age 60, the demand for this service is growing, as are the complexities and volume of digital platforms.
Since TekHub services began in 2020, the staff has witnessed immense growth in digital engagement and competency, as well as an elevated technical proficiency in the questions now being asked. While there are for-profit services that offer general tech support, Jewish Home is a non-profit organization with a mission focused on serving older adults. TekHub team members are employed by Jewish Home — a trusted provider of services for older adults — have experience, vetted with background checks, and insured.
“We have the experience, the compassion, and the strong values to respect and empower older adults,” said Chris Zoellick, Jewish Home’s Chief Technology Officer. “This enables us to explain technology with patience and clarity, driven only by mission and service to the community. Through personalized guidance, we help older adults use technology to strengthen their connections—with family, friends and the world around them.”
How TekHub helps older adults
Examples of how the TekHub team provides personalized tech support include:
- Backing up and sharing photos and files
- Setting up and using social media accounts
- Using email efficiently and safely
- Navigating video calls
- Learning how to avoid scams and stay safe online
- Downloading and using apps, including health-monitoring apps and devices
- Credential organization and management
- Security reviews and assessments
- Setting up and troubleshooting home Wi-Fi networks
- Providing general computer support, including software installation and troubleshooting
“I cannot say enough great things about TekHub’s operation, because without TekHub and Chris Zoellick my book never would have been written,” said Jim Cross, whose book Champagne Wishes and Caviar Dreams…The Television Journey of a Lifetime was published in April. “TekHub helped me every step of the way. My co-author and I only met face to face three times during the writing process because I was able to efficiently use technology. That was unbelievable! And when I had a couple of problems, TekHub helped me solve them in 15 minutes each time. Many thanks to TekHub!”
Partnership with RIT’s Saunders College of Business
The TekHub started as the result of a collaboration between Jewish Home and Saunders College of Business at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT).
The collaboration paired students with older adults to provide support while gathering data through interviews and interaction. Data revealed that 85 percent of older-adult tech needs involve troubleshooting and inquiry, and a high need for personal guidance.
In spring 2024 a larger study was conducted as a Saunders capstone project for Executive MBA students, which identified the need to expand TekHub beyond the Jewish Home campus with a community-based program to provide fast, personalized support, and family interface. The study also highlighted tech-access benefits to older adults, including improved online safety, increased confidence and autonomy, and memory support.
“We are proud and excited to expand TekHub to help older adults build their confidence in utilizing technology,” said Travis Masonis, Senior Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer at Jewish Home. “Our deep understanding of aging services has presented us with an opportunity to expand our reach outside the Jewish Home campus.”
TekHub is now available to older adults throughout the Rochester community in their home, by phone or video call, or in the TekHub office on the Jewish Home campus. For a quote and to schedule an appointment, call (585) 784-2222 or email TekHub@JewishHomeRoc.org.
About Jewish Home
For more than 100 years, Jewish Home has been helping older adults live their best lives. Guided by foundational principles, Jewish Home embraces the idea of home as a place where families gather, care for one another, and welcome all. Jewish Home offers all levels of care — from independent living to skilled nursing on their Rochester campus to a variety of services throughout the community. As the only Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) in Rochester, Jewish Home is proud to be recognized for quality care and customer satisfaction—earning CARF International accreditation, as well as being certified a Great Place to Work® since 2020. For more information visit JewishHomeRoc.org or @jewishhomeroc on social media.
