The winners of the McKnight's Tech Awards will be announced this week.

Mather LifeWays has captured the top Quality honor in first annual McKnight’s Excellence In Technology Awards – Connect Our World. The Evanston, IL-based non-profit has incorporated a unique three-component program that helps improve life quality for residents with dementia.

McKnight’s and American HealthTech partnered to establish the award, which recognizes notable uses of technology to improve senior living services.

In praising Mather LifeWays, one judge wrote: “The mobile technology applied provided an efficient and user-friendly system for staff to easily record and transmit data about interactions with people with dementia, while minimizing disruptions to routines and activities of program participants.”

Christian Park Village captured the Silver Award. The 59-bed skilled nursing facility in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula utilizes high tech electronic and equipment technologies in conjunction with established clinical practices to reduce pressure ulcers.

The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society took the Bronze Award. The Sioux Falls, SD-based operator was recognized for its LivingWell@Home program. The initiative uses sensor technology, telehealth, personal emergency response systems and central data monitoring services to improve care delivery.

“The 2012 technology awards program celebrates the providers who have taken resident care to new heights,” said Teresa Chase, President and CEO of American HealthTech.

Entries were judged on their value, impact, execution, relevance and originality. A blue ribbon panel of 15 judges selected the top entries.

“The Quality category was extremely competitive. All three winners are to be commended for their contributions to better quality care,” said John O’Connor, editorial director for McKnight’s.

In all, the McKnight’s Excellence In Technology Awards – Connect Our World will recognize winners in five categories. Here is the schedule for additional announcements:

Tuesday – Dignity Through Technology

Recognizes a facility/community that harnessed technology to improve the level of dignity its residents enjoy.

Wednesday – High Tech/High Touch

Recognizes how technology was used to improve staff-resident interaction.

Thursday – Innovator of the Year

This honors a notably innovative use of technology to improve both care and the bottom line.

Friday – Transitions Award

Recognizes an organization that harnessed technology to improve and/or reduce transitions between long-term care facilities and other care settings.