OAPs kept in picture

Care home technology

Four Monklands care homes are to benefit from new video technology which will allow residents to link up with counterparts in other homes and even into health services.

Rawyards care home in Ai rdr i e , Woodside care home in Coatbridge, Hillend View in Caldercruix and Monklands House in Plains are to be included in the latest group to join the NHS Lanarkshire’s telehealth services project.

It has seen residents from eight homes across the county getting together via a televised link to share in a group singalong and chair-based exercises.

Now plans are in hand to bring the Airdrie and Coatbridge homes online – with the social gatherings by video also paving the way for future health uses.

Health board staff aim for the system to be used for virtual clinical consultations and support for residents from a range of services.

Telehealth programme manager Morag Hearty said: “The initiative is at its early stages but the results we’re seeing bode extremely well.

“Benefits include ease of accessibility and helping residents maintain their own independence without having to leave their homely setting for routine checks, where safe and appropriate.

“The value of the other activities shouldn’t be underestimated – technology allows people to remain connected and forge new relationships.”

Link up Rawyards care home is among those set to benefit