Care homes should improve Wi-fi ‘so grandchildren visit’

CARE homes need to prioritise installing Wi-fi to make sure grandchildren visit their grandparents, the care minister has said.

Speaking at an event in London, Caroline Dinenage said not enough homes allowed their residents to access Wi-fi.

She said internet access could help older people stay in touch with their families and encourage younger members to visit more often.

“Wi-fi actually can encourage your grandchildren to come and visit. Because they will sit there, and you can do something together,” she said.

Dementia patients can be helped by “incredible online tools to help people and trigger memories and for therapeutic things”, Ms Dinenage added.

Online systems are available which allow patients and their families to upload photo albums, music playlists and videos that they can then watch together.

She added that a lack of internet access could cause problems with access to medical care and information.

“Wi-fi can be the difference between allowing a medical professional, a GP, to see a patient urgently and making that decision as to whether they need to be rushed into A&E and actually whether they’re OK.

“It can help manage staff rotas so businesses become more efficient, there’s a continuity of care and also the business is sustainable,” Ms Dinenage told an event organised by the Resolution

‘Where Wi-fi is not available, residents would have no access to Skype, Facebook or email’

Foundation, a think tank. Research published by Citizens Advice has found that one in five care homes does not offer Wi-fi to residents and one in four care home staff does not know whether or not it is available.

“Where Wi-fi is not available, residents would have no access to Skype, Facebook, email or other services that might be used to keep in touch with friends and family unless they arrange mobile internet for themselves at extra cost,” the charity warned.