Kent Council Provided Video Phone for the Vulnerable

Kent County Council's £1.5million video system provides vulnerable residents access to virtual care and health consultations.

10:40 13 July 2020

Kent County Council has recently launched a £1.5million scheme designed to provide the elderly and vulnerable residents easy access to virtual video care and health consultations. The scheme, which has been launched amidst the coronavirus crisis, also aims to fight loneliness caused by isolation by allowing residents to be in video contact with friends and family members. 

Clair Bell, KCC Cabinet member for adult social care and public health, said: "This assistive technology will give some of our most vulnerable residents greater independence and help care staff to support them at this very challenging time.

 

"The system is proving to be particularly effective during the Covid-19 pandemic, reducing the need for face-to-face contact and limiting hands-on care to just essential tasks." 

 

Robert Greenfield, a 70-year-old Gravesend resident who has already benefited from the video carephone, said: "I love the sociability that the carephone gives me. I have not been able to see my grandkids due to the coronavirus or meet up with my chums so it has helped me to stay in touch with everyone. 

 

"The best part is that I don't need log-ons or codes to be able to see or speak to people. I also hope I can receive my private physio sessions on the carephone and I like the idea that it can prompt me to move every hour to prevent me from getting sores and to keep doing my exercises."