Stockport-based Borough Care has been finding new ways to keep loved ones in touch with residents across its eleven care homes, as Covid-19 continues to keep families apart.
The not-for-profit organisation has been conducting safe and socially distanced window visits for residents to catch up with their loved ones face to face.
In addition, Borough Care has also in another new technology, to supplement the wide array it already provides, for residents to stay connected, which is being trialled in two homes. The homes have been provided with tablets for residents to be able to video call their families at the click of the button. The tablets have been specifically designed to be easy to use, meaning there is no need for residents to be trained to use any complicated technology, which can often be off-putting and intimidating.
To further remove barriers brought about by restrictions, Borough Care is also constructing purpose-built ‘internal pods’ in each of its homes, to allow for safe and socially distanced indoor visiting, which will prove to be greatly beneficial during the winter months to allow families to visit their loved ones.
Dr Mark Ward, CEO at Borough Care, said:
“The Covid-19 pandemic has presented us with challenges we could never have predicted and the care sector has been severely impacted by lockdown restrictions.
“For us, the wellbeing of our residents is our absolute top priority and we know that loneliness and isolation is a huge issue for those in care, which has been escalated over the past few months. So, while many haven’t been able to see their loved ones in person, we have been passionate about finding alternative ways for them to keep in touch and continue to have that all-important interaction, which we know means so much.
“While lockdown restrictions have created obstacles, we’re committed to ensuring the safety of our residents so finding ways to adapt has been vital. We’re looking forward to continuing to build on these innovative ideas and hope that they will have a lasting impact as lockdown restrictions are lifted.”
