8:40am Wednesday 21st November 2007
By Wiltshire Times Reporter
A WESTBURY residential home is leading the way in a project to give elderly people access to the internet.
Residents at Watersmead in White Horse Way will be the first to benefit from the scheme when the new system is installed on Friday December 7.
The Orders of St John Care Trust, a not for profit care provider for older people, has teamed up for Data Vision Europe Limited, a local IT specialist, to supply its care homes with equipment for its Computers for Residents programme.
The scheme has come about as a result of the Trust obtaining a £190,000 government grant to improve the well being and fulfilment of life for older people in its care homes.
The Trust decided to internet-enable its residents, and commissioned DVE to supply mobile WebSkate computers in each care home, offering a range of facilities designed for ease of use by older and frailer people.
The units are mobile pedestal models with Wi-Fi technology, so they can be used anywhere in the home.
They are equipped with touch screens and large keyboards, and installed with internet software - including Skype phone and web camera - so the residents can communicate easily with family and friends.
Diane Bowden, county director for Wiltshire, said: "The world is a much smaller place today and people's loved ones are often scattered across the UK and further afield.
"With the introduction of computers in our care homes, residents will be able to stay in touch with their families, regardless of geographic distance."
She added: "Individual email accounts will mean that family photos and news can be sent and received immediately.
"Imagine the difference it will make for residents to see their families' birthdays, weddings and christenings more or less as they happen."
© Copyright 2001-2010 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.wiltshiretimes.co.uk