From October 14-20, the UK celebrates Get Online Week, the UK’s largest digital inclusion campaign.
Living in a digital world, being active online is more important than ever before – it’s how many people work, study and do their food shop but more importantly, it’s how many people stay connected, no matter where they are in the world.
And supporting this very campaign, leading care provider Radis Community Care has recently refurbished a number of computers in order to help the people they support stay connected with loved ones.
The IT team at Radis have been busy refurbishing computers that were no longer being used by staff to both improve the IT and online skills of residents, as well as providing further opportunities to enhance feelings of independence and for them to connect with family and friends.
As part of the care provider’s latest social responsibility scheme, the refurbished computers have been distributed to three extra care services, all of which are based in Reading.
The care team and staff at Cedar Court, Huntley Place and Oak Tree House have been volunteering to spend time with the residents, ensuring they have access to the internet, and improving their digital skillset.
As a business, Radis prioritises independence and open-ended communication across all of its services, and this is done in a variety of ways with various pieces of technology.
Not all residents are completely mobile, and with this in mind, Radis encourage the use of technology to promote further independence, including smart devices to help with calling loved ones as well as using the television, and setting reminders.
Lorna Regan, social values lead at Radis Community Care said:
“We understand just how important it is for people to stay connected – for both the residents and their families. Not everybody has loved ones nearby, meaning that the need for digital aids is even more prevalent.
“And now that we have been able to provide these refurbished computers to our residents, we can provide them with even more online access.”
Husband and wife Beryl and John reside at Cedar Court and often use technology to do their online shopping and to email friends and family.
Beryl said of online shopping: “We just know in the not-too-distant future that we’re not going to be able to get to the supermarket through health reasons. Our mobility is declining and so we thought we’d get prepared. It’s no use waiting ‘til you can’t do it.”
The couple also explained that it’s important for them to stay connected with loved ones through the power of technology, as well as remaining independent.
Beryl said, “I think John and I, at heart, are really trying to be as independent as we can for as long as we can. I just turned 90 this year and John will be turning 90 at the start of next year, so it’s quite a challenge.
“But as and when we’ve needed help, we’ve asked for it and it’s always been available and we’ve always been supported.”
For more information on Radis, or the services on offer, please visit: www.radis.co.uk.
