Introducing older people to the wonders of SKYPE
Posted: January 12th, 2012 | Author: admin | Filed under: Care, Grandparents | 2 Comments »![images[1] (2)](http://blog.thefutureperfectcompany.com/wp-content/uploads/images1-2.jpg "images[1] (2)")
Just before Christmas I heard of an interesting project to demonstrate the benefits of SKYPE to residents of local retirement homes.
As Diane Atkinson of Cressida (www.cressidasolutions.com) explains: “ We take our laptops into local retirement homes to show the residents how wonderful SKYPE is. We do all the hard work, the retired person just sits in front of the laptop at the appointed time, they do not touch the laptop, they do not need to learn how to use it, we do it all and they just sit and talk to relatives and friends anywhere in the world.
We have such fun practising with them, having them SKYPE other residents in different rooms and pretending they are in Australia (last time we did it, as well as discussing the weather in Australia, the talk was about Barbies and mankinis!!) It is such a laugh.
We know from experience that elderly people love talking to their relatives and seeing them on screen is such a treat for them. Certainly with grandchildren, it’s probably the only way they will communicate!
It is also easier for relatives and friends far away to see their loved ones. Perhaps due to work commitments or family they cannot visit every week, so this is a way for them to see their loved ones and by seeing them can detect things that cannot be seen speaking over a phone line.”
The project is not without its challenges, however, Diane has told me that it can be difficult to get hold of the details (email addresses/SKYPE name/phone numbers) of the relatives far away, who would benefit from this service. Also with the time difference, there are three different time slots, mornings to speak to Australians etc, evenings to speak to UK/European working people and Sunday afternoons to speak with Americans etc..
I think this is a really worthwhile project. Most retirement homes have someone who comes in every week to help residents use their own computer; this is a service for those who do not own a computer and have no wish to learn how to use one, but are able to video link with their relatives and friends. Not only are older people being encouraged to use technology and get on line, but most importantly it sounds like good fun for everyone involved.
For more information about SKYPE, CLICK HERE
This is excellent synchronicity Philippa.It’s terrific to have accessed this treasure trove of great practical ideas and content. It gets to the heart of our new IT classes starting here at Age UK Horsham District.
As you may know, we’ve recently taken the plunge and gone ahead and invested in several new PCs so that our four volunteer trainers can start in earnest to rollout new programs of IT inclusion classes for the over 50s. If you know of anyone who wants to learn more about IT, now is an opportune time. Classes are starting the classes in the next couple of weeks at Lavinia House so there is still time to phone us on 01403 260560 and give someone the gift of knowledge.
The classes are designed for the very nervous (ie total beginner) and for those with more experience and want to get more enjoyment out of the Internet. The trainers have structured particular course content while building in the flexibility for each individual to learn at their own pace.
As I’m writing this words of song ” oh, the school around the corner’s just the same.”, are playing in my memory. But now it’s all much easier and do-able at your own pace – it’s now about learning to skype and emailing –going around the world for free; learning a new craft by tracing family trees and finding out more about your heritage online – to pass on to the grand kids ; surfing and shopping online securely – to save costs ; accessing local services and agencies at the tip of your fingers – and improve one’s quality of life.
One often hears some of the older people saying that computers are only for the younger generation. Well, nothing could be further from the truth in my opinion! If someone can learn to read or can write, then getting skilled in the use of the computer is easily within every individual’s grasp. At Age UK Horsham District , we have the latest equipment , our trainers are here to help while you learn at your own speed; the groups are small and friendly so people can make new friends easily …. the time is right and the opportunity awaits!!
Thanks, Sean. This sounds like an excellent project and I will certainly publicise it. I absolutely agree that the internet is for everybody – and can be life-transforming.