OAPs to be given Samsung Galaxy tablets to SKYPE carers after cash-strapped council scraps home visits
By: Age UK
Published on 13 October 2017 02:00 PM
Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK said
'If an older person has been assessed as needing an evening care visit how can a video call ever be an adequate substitute? Even assuming they are confident using the technology - a big if - personal care such as washing & toileting is by definition hands-on & impossible to do remotely.
'We shouldn’t dismiss the potential of new technology to enhance the delivery of care, but it’s depressing to think of it being used instead of a visit from a real human being rather than in addition to one. This feels like a distortion of technology’s rightful place, brought about by the impossible choices facing councils as they struggle to meet growing care needs with wholly inadequate resources.'
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Contact:
Liz Fairweather
t 020 3033 1718
e. liz.fairweather@ageuk.org.uk