Doncaster care home tool to boost communication during lockdown

Staff from Anchor’s Hatfield House, on Crooks Broom Avenue, have been given a free Facebook Portal as part of a project run by the social media giant and the NHS to reduce social isolation during the outbreak.

The devices, which have been issued to all of Anchor’s 114 care homes in England, have been used by residents in many different ways to help them keep in touch with loved ones, friends and fellow care home residents.

Hatfield House has used the devices to organise quizzes between seven Anchor care homes spread over Yorkshire and as far afield as Birmingham, as well as enabling residents to talk to their families.

Resident Arthur Drury uses the portal daily to keep in contact with his family and now can see his new-born grandchildren.

Tanya Burnett, Hatfield House manager , said: “Residents in Anchor care homes have long benefited from the variety of technology we use, whether it’s iPads, interactive tables where shapes and games are projected onto a tabletop, or virtual reality headsets. The portal is an extension of this.

“We know how important it is for our residents to keep in touch with their loved ones and this technology helps with that. It reassures families their loved ones are happy and well during this worrying time.”

Debbie Howells, whose mother Elsie Weston has lived at Hatfield House for three years, said: “It’s awful we can’t see mum during this pandemic. We’re all feeling it now but being able to video call has been wonderful.

“It’s made such a big different to our lives. We know the staff take really good care of mum and we’re happy with the care she gets but it’s nice to see her face, her smiling and to have a chat with her.”

Janet Moverley whose mother Jean also lives at Hatfield House, said: “It means such a lot to us because we understandably can’t see her.

“It’s difficult and emotional when you can’t give her a kiss but because we can see her using this technology, we feel assured and seeing her smiling makes us happy. It’s a big deal and a real plus for us as well as her.”

For more on Hatfield House, call 0800 731 2020.