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2.
March
2022.
Residents go digital with new tablet computers

 

                     Press Release

 

Ref: PRCP015                                                                             Date: 2nd March 2022

 

Residents go digital with new tablet computers  

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A group of older people in Staffordshire and Shropshire are making new connections thanks to new tablet computers, six-months of free data and help to get online. 

In total, 20devices have been given to residents in some of the 55 retirement living communities managed by Care Plus, a Housing Plus Group Company. The tech was awarded by the Good Things Foundation, which also provided funding for training to help the residents learn how to get the best out of their new technology, safely. 

Although many older people are digitally active, Office of National Statistics figures suggest thatmore than a third of those aged 65+ don't have access to the internet. The Centre for Ageing Better and Good Things Foundation has also found that a lack of internet access is often associated with social isolation and loneliness for over 65s.  

In an increasingly digital world, people who don't own smartphones or personal computers and can't get online find it difficult to stay in touch with friends and family, connect with utility companies and banks, make appointments and even shop for essentials.  

"The COVID-19 pandemic brought home the importance of the internet, for all of us," explained Les Clarke, Executive director of housing and care at Housing Plus Group. "In lockdown we shopped online, sought advice and kept in touch with friends and family. Some of us worked digitally and, for children and young people, education went online. 

"We are conscious that there is a digital divide which can leave some people excluded from services and I am delighted to see this new group of super-surfers getting online." 

Along with the tablet computers, residents have received six months of free data and of course Wi-Fi is available in the social spaces of many Care Plus retirement communities. They have also been helped to get online from their retirement living officer or activities coordinator. In some schemes, Care Plus is working in partnership with education charity ConGens Group, to provide IT training to residents, individually or in small groups.  

Care Plus customer Cath Ruff is one of those who is benefitting from the new technology: "I had never used a tablet or computer before. It has been lovely to see photos of my great-grandchildren and to keep in touch with my family." 

Denise Williams' tablet is making life more convenient: "I'm really enjoying using my tablet to do online shopping, book appointments and message my daughter. I would recommend anyone to have a go at getting online, as it's never too late to learn. We had four sessions with the trainers, and they were very patient with us. The next thing I would like to try, is Zoom!" 

Caption:

Care Plus Customers reconnecting online watched by Care Plus Retirement Living officer Adam Pugh.

ENDS

Background for editors  

Care Plus specialises in housing and support for older people and those with physical or learning difficulties. Managing 55 retirement living communities in Staffordshire and Shropshire as well as a residential nursing home, Care Plus helps people to live independently in their own homes with support including 24:7 telecare response, wellbeing services and home care.    

The personal care service delivered by Care Plus has been assessed as Good in all areas by the Care Quality Commission.    

Care Plus is registered as a Charitable Community Benefit Society and is part of Housing Plus Group, a leading provider of quality, affordable homes and care services that customers can trust in Shropshire and Staffordshire.  The Group also includes Homes Plus, Property Plus and Severn Homes.  
 

With a mission to make a positive difference to homes, lives and communities, Housing Plus Group employs around 1,000 local people and is addressing the housing crisis by pledging to begin building 2,000 new homes for rent, shared ownership and outright sale by 2023. The Group has committed to delivering one-third more hours of care and support for older people in their own homes and to creating apprenticeship opportunities for 100 people in the Group and its supply chain within five years.  

 Housing Plus Group is inspired by the CLARITY values which are the foundations of its work: Communication, Learning, Accountable, Respectful, Inclusive, Trust and You.  

The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) requires that all registered providers confirm compliance with the Regulatory Framework, Governance and Financial Viability Standard.  Housing Plus Group complies with this standard, holding the RSH highest rating for governance and viability: G1 and V1.  Please visit www.gov.uk to find out more. 

www.care-plus.org.uk

 

Further information 

Mara Hargreaves  
Head of marketing and communications   
m:07800 619 863  
e:mara.hargreaves@housingplusgroup.co.uk

Clare Chick 
Marketing and communications officer 
m: 07950 254 279 
e:clare.chick@housingplusgroup.co.uk  

Martin Farrow 
CHANGEWORKS Communications 
t:  + 44 (0) 1785 247588 
m: +44 (0)7771 970025 
e:mfarrow@changeworkscom.co.uk