Shepway Help Elderly to Connect

A scheme that aims to help the elderly connect with their family and friends using technology has been launched in Shepway

17:19 23 October 2018

An innovative scheme that aims to ensure that elderly people are not isolated from the society has been launched in Shepway. As part of the scheme, Cllr Martin Whybrow bought two devices from a company called No Isolation designed to unite people by enabling them to easily share photos and videos with their friends and family.

 

Called KOMP, the device resembles an old radio set with an easy-to-use on and off switch and volume controls.

 

Cllr Whybrow said: “At the end of the day nothing beats face-to-face interaction but this device compliments visits and keeps them connected when people aren’t always there.

 

“It also gives them a focus for conversations so they can talk about what their family has been up to when they come round.

 

“This is the same with all technology- it’s not about replacing human connections but about helping with social isolation.

 

“The feedback from the two ladies, who have had the devices for almost two months, has been good.”

 

He added that one of the testers, who is 84, has used the device to stay in touch with her grandson in South Korea despite her mobility challenges.