Tablets keep care home residents connected with loved ones

ELSIE Hogg has not missed a beat of family gossip despite visitation restrictions at her care home thanks to tablets donation from a Hartlepool charity.

The 83-year-old resident at Queens Meadow Care Home, on Stockton Road, is one of many to take advantage of a donation of tablet computers from The PFC Trust.

The devices have allowed Elsie and others to speak to their loved ones on a regular basis using video calling software.

Elsie has been speaking to her daughter, Jean Alder, every couple of days to catch up on family news and gossip during the pandemic.

She said: “It has been really difficult not being able to see my family face-to-face but being able to call them on the tablet computer has been brilliant.”

Husband and wife Brian and Flo Thompson, both 76, have been using the tablets to video call Flo’s brother, Leslie Ford, on a regular basis.

Brian said: “It’s good for Flo to see Leslie and join in the conversation. We have a bit of a laugh too.”

Julie Armstrong, home manager at Queens Meadow Care Home, said: “Having the tablet devices has enabled residents to stay in touch with their families and help combat any feelings of isolation and loneliness they may be feeling.

“During the summer months, we also made use of virtual visits to zoos and parks using the tablets, helping us to see the world despite being restricted like everyone else during the ongoing pandemic.

“Everyone at Queens Meadow would like to say thank you to The PFC Trust for their kind donation. It has made such a difference to both the residents and staff.”

Queens Meadow Care Home is one of several care homes in the North East operated by the Hill Care Group to benefit from the donations from the PFC Trust.

A spokesperson from The PFC Trust said: “The PFC Trust was delighted to be able to help families to stay connected during the national lockdown.

“We provided the means but it was the staff of Hill Care that made it happen and we are proud to be working in partnership with them and many other Hartlepool organisations.”