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Senior Snippets – Caring Technologies
W
elcome to Senior Snippets: the monthly advisory column with the older members of our community in mind, brought to you by Annie Dixon-Dunn of Home Instead Senior Care Redditch & Bromsgrove.
In this instalment, I will be talking to you about technology and some technologies that we have found to be beneficial to our clients and community enabling them to stay connected during this period of disruption caused by COVID19. A recent study shows that 88% of elderly people are connected to the internet, and that 73% of people admit that they have been in touch with elderly relatives more over the past few months than they have the whole year. Here are some of our favourite technologies to use: Zoom. Zoom is an amazing, handy little app that can be downloaded to your mobile phone or tablet and can also be used on your laptop. Zoom it can be used by both Apple and Android users. More than one person can join a Zoom meeting, making it great for family get togethers. It is free to download and free up to 40 minutes for meetings with more than one person. Facetime. Facetime is a video call that connects users via video link, who use Apple products. So this service is perfect for those of you out there who own iPads. This is completely free and again can host multiple people at once as long as they have an Apple product. Facebook Portal. This product requires a one off investment to purchase the portal box, however the benefit is that you do not need any additional products – just
connection to the internet. This makes the Facebook Portal perfect for elderly relatives who want to connect with family but don’t own a mobile phone or tablet device. Technology is also becoming ever more prominent in the way we care for our loved ones, and not just for staying in touch. From subtle sensors around the house which ensures that your loved one is safe at home, to discreet personal alarms which links to an emergency resolution team. In this world of ‘new normal’ it is important that we embrace technology, especially as it helps to connect and care for those around us. I would love to hear from you, if you have a suggestions for how best to support the local community or you have suggestions for a topic please write to me at annie.dixondunn@homeinstead.co.uk. Alternatively, you can also call me (Annie) on 01564 741620.
Live Well, Stay Safe We do more than just Care: Shopping for essentials and packing away for you Cleaning and disinfecting of high touch surfaces
Picking up medication and support prescription requirements Posting letters to keep in touch with loved ones Helping use technology to video chat with families Home Care is Safe Care DBS checked, PPE trained, professional CAREGivers visit at a time that suit you and always stay for at least an hour. Currently taking on new clients in: Studley l Alcester l Henley in Arden l Redditch l Bromsgrove l Rubery l Rednal l Northfield Personal Care Home Help Companionship Dementia Care
We’re here to help find the right care for you and your loved ones. To find out more call us on
01564 741 620 / 01527 810 855 Visit www.homeinstead.co.uk/rb Completely Bromsgrove
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