Connecting the elderly in the UK
During the Covid 19 pandemic, the population of care homes across the UK spent over 12 months isolated from their families and loved ones. Although it’s hard to measure social isolation and loneliness precisely, there is strong evidence that many adults aged 50 and older are socially isolated or lonely in ways that put their health at risk (increased risk of dementia and hospitalisation, higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide).
In February 2021, through the partnership with 100% Group, whose vision is to activate retail experiences globally with the most sustainable approach, we received 200 smart video calling devices previously used on retail point-of-sale displays to connect residents of our partner Runwood Homes, which hadn’t been able to see their family members in months because of the Covid 19 lockdown.
Runwood Homes are a progressive organisation with a large number of elderly residential homes across the UK who immediately saw the value these video calling devices would bring to their members. With help from their technical team, each house was provided with a video calling device connected to the Wi-Fi. The contact details of each resident were uploaded into the device, enabling them to easily make video calls to their families, allowing them to hear them and see their families for the first time in many months.
Now, over 15 villages have a learning area with computers and an internet connection that welcomes anyone interested. The courses are designed to provide locals with the skills and tools required to expand their current businesses. Most of the students were women who had never used a computer before, and many were from indigenous communities.
The impact of this project has been life-changing in so many ways for over 1,000 beneficiaries. Not only did it provide online training, but it also gave them access to learn new life skills such as managing a bank account and accessing vital health care information.
“Communication throughout the pandemic was and remains a critical aspect of our person-centred care strategy. Through utilising technology, we have seen our residents flourish and remain part of communities across the UK”.
— Gavin O’Hare-Connolly, COO for Runwood Homes Senior Living.