iPad’s and Aged Care go hand in hand
It’s not only toddlers and teenagers who love downloading apps, games and watching hilarious YouTube clips and music on their iPad’s – older people and aged care providers are now embracing new technology as a way to stay connected, keep mentally active, be entertained and explore the world.
Many of Oxley Home Care’s clients, Care Managers, Care Workers and Nurses use their iPad daily in functional and creative ways.
For the staff and Care Managers who are out and about on the road most of the time, devices like iPads are a great way to communicate with the clients, explaining how their Home Care Package works and setting up the budget and care plan with the client and family present rather than waiting and doing back at the office.
For our clients, we have seen some wonderful outcomes where an iPad has actually been purchased from the client’s home care package funds to meet a client’s individual goal. Under a Home Care Package, we set individual and realistic goals, Eileen’s number one goal was to travel to see her family. At 94 years old and with no medical clearance this was not possible, so our Care Manager discussed with Eileen the possibility of Skype. We trialled a Skype session with the family and Eileen and it went so well, Eileen and the family were so happy and emotional, we couldn’t stop Eileen from kissing the screen. Following the first Skype session, our Care Manager purchased Eileen her own iPad from her Home Care Package funds and the weekly Skype sessions began.
Other clients of Oxley Home Care love playing dementia apps which have been installed on the Care Workers iPads, which are fun and something they can do with the Care Worker
We trialled a Skype session with the family and Eileen and it went so well, Eileen and the family were so happy and emotional, we couldn’t stop Eileen from kissing the screen. Following the first Skype session, our Care Manager purchased Eileen her own iPad from her Home Care Package funds and the weekly Skype sessions began.
Other clients of Oxley Home Care love playing dementia apps which have been installed on the Care Workers iPad’s, which are fun and something they can do with the Care Worker.
http://fanappic.com/5-good-apps-for-dementia-sufferers/
We also have used the iPad as a calming tool for some of our dementia care clients when they become distressed. Jean gets quite distressed when I leave the house” daughter Sally said. My Care Manager suggested we make a short Video in the iPad of me talking to her so if Jean becomes distressed we can play a message. I was amazed with the results. Initially I didn’t think it would work but Mum calmed down and the Care Worker just kept playing the same video whenever she shows signs of becoming distressed.
We couldn’t resist sharing this delightful video of a 99 year old woman who was able to pursue her passion for reading and writing through the use of an iPad. Due to Glaucoma she isn’t able to read on paper anymore but thanks to the contrast of the light of the screen she is now able to enjoy reading again.