How North Yorkshire's care homes combat loneliness with new tech
During the fight against the coronavirus, staff in care homes across the county have adapted to make sure residents can see the faces of their loved ones despite being in isolation.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdDevices to provide video calling are being delivered to the 10 North Yorkshire County Council-run elderly persons’ homes to facilitate video calling.
Staff at each of the homes will be trained in how to use the devices to support residents.
The devices include an Echo Show, Facebook Portal and a Fire tablet. Residents can use Skype, WhatsApp and the Alexa to call their families.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdAn existing programme to install superfast broadband and wifi services at each home was accelerated to be complete when the devices became available for use.
Robert Ling, the County Council’s Technology and Change Assistant Director, said: “This is a prime example of why technology is so important in every area of life and the potential it has to change a situation.
“By using this technology, grandparents can see their grandchildren, wives can see their husbands, people can communicate face to face with their families and loved ones without breaking lockdown rules. This helps to maintain people’s mental wellbeing in very challenging circumstances.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdDawn Spare, Deputy Manager at Bedale's Benkhill Lodge, one of the homes to receive the technology, said: “It’s really wonderful for our residents to be able to see the faces of their loved ones – we’ve had a few happy tears from them.
“Having the tablets has been invaluable during this crisis when residents can’t see their friends or families when, normally, having visits would be the highlight of their day. It means families can have ‘virtual visits’ and it’s been brilliant.
“It gives everyone reassurance and peace of mind – families know their relatives in the care home are fine and it’s good for the residents’ mental health and stops them feeling isolated and locked in.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdResident Carrie Watson, 93, added: “It’s marvellous and makes me feel emotional.”
Joss Harbron, Head of Provider Services, said: “The wellbeing of our residents is paramount to us – and that means every aspect of wellbeing, from physical to mental.
“A conversation with a loved one and being able to see their face will make a massive difference to people living in our care homes and allow them to stay connected during these unprecedented times.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe care homes receiving the technology are: Silver Birches in Filey, Springfield Garth in Boroughbridge, Neville House in Gargrave, Ashfield in Skipton, Ashfield in Malton, Whitby Road in Pickering, Larpool Lane in Whitby, Benkhill Lodge in Bedale, Station View in Starbeck and Carentan House in Selby.
A message from the Editor
Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.
In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdOur journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world.
But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.
With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.
Thank you.
Comment Guidelines
National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.