Care home works to give visitors a voice

The recent rise in infection rates has seen care homes across the county close their doors to any form of visiting except ‘window visits’, family now able only to come and wave through a window to their loved ones.

A spokesman said: “In the Coach House’s latest weekly pandemic management meeting the team discussed the serious impact that these new restrictions would have on the overall wellbeing and mental health of their residents.

“Despite the addition of two tablets to the homes IT infrastructure, enabling enhanced electronic communication capabilities, gratefully donated by central government, they have found that it’s the real face to face interaction everyone so really misses.

“So in keeping with the home’s proactive ethos they sought out a practical solution, while still adhering to the government’s guidelines to safeguard residents and staff against possible infection.”

They now have a standalone headset mounted open channel intercom system which can work with hearing aids.

Before going live with visitors, the home trialled the system, resident to resident.

“They took to them like ducks to water, were amazed at the clarity of sound and more than amused at the aviator pilot style look the headsets gave them,” added the spokesman.

“Visitors to the home can now, with a prearranged time slot, have their window visit but with a much sort after line of communication well and truly open, talk face to face with their loved one.

“This simple, relatively affordable solution is helping to transform the lives of the residents and their families through what is an indefinite period of lockdown care homes are currently facing.

Everyone at the home, which has remained infection free since the start of the pandemic, would like to take this opportunity to express their sincere gratitude for all the wonderful support that locals, families, well wishes and especially the incredible staff have given.”