An appeal has been launched to help care home residents stay connected with loved ones.
With visits to care homes suspended, Scottish Care, who represent the sector from their base in Ayr’s Barns Street, are looking at ways to bring families together.
The idea to use tech devices was started when publicist Jenn Nimmo-Smith became concerned about her mum during the lockdown.
She was able to video call mum Kathleen, 60, on an iPad but was aware not all residents could do the same.
Jenn, 33, said “I call my mum everyday but I was anxious about how people would cope during the lockdown.
“So many people are not fortunate enough to have technology to do that and that is something I thought we could help change.
“I got in touch with Scottish Care and they were delighted to help, so we’ve been working alongside each other to roll this out.
“My hope is that this will help other families and those with loved ones who they can’t visit given the current COVID-19 pandemic to stay in contact and enable that connection that is so important and vital to our relationships.”
The appeal, called Tech Device Network, aims to help families and loved ones stay connected.
The group are looking for devices such as tablets, laptops and smartphones in new or nearly new condition to help with the project.
Becca Young, Policy & Research Manager at Scottish Care, said: “We are delighted to partner with Jenn to support the wellbeing of our older and vulnerable citizens receiving care here through access to technology. This initiative is a positive way to keep our communities connected.”
Go to https://scottishcare.org/techdevicenetwork/ for information on how to donate.
