I tried out a one button computer screen (komp) through Angus Council for free. It is outstanding! Wow, what a difference it makes to me, to my dad and his carers.
It sits on my dad’s kitchen table. It answers video calls from me. I can see and talk with my dad, he sees me as we chat over a cuppa or at supper time. It also displays my messages and reminders when we are not in a video call. I post current photos and photos of the past to trigger memories. It made it easy to share everyday life with my dad.
My dad is approaching 92, he lives on his own and suffers from a progressive form of dementia. He is supported by carers and attends a day car centre once a week. He is quite isolated from social interaction. I support him with the help of my sisters and brother from a distance. I am 180 miles away in the West Highlands. It takes me 4 buses and a whole day to get to where he lives.
This technology has been a positive success and a huge help for me. My dad struggles with a mobile phone and can only just use his house phone. His hearing is poor and therefore the phone is not always feasible if he can’t turn up the volume. Regular communication is key with someone who is on their own, and is vulnerable and frail. I visit him every 3-5 weeks, but this is challenging due to all my commitments over on the West, including two adorable grandchildren.
Dad does not need to touch the device. I place a call through an App at a time I know he will be eating breakfast, lunch or supper. I set the volume so that he can hear. Video contact makes all the difference as I can see how he reacts, I can see a smile or frown. It is helpful having a conversation like this with the fabulous carers. I can call when the social care, nurses or the doctor visits.
It has been a lifeline of support.
Seeing the whole me