sciencetech-blog

comments

One of the hardest parts of putting an elderly relative in a care home is often not being able to see them every day, or take them to family events. 

But a company called EventsTag is hoping to change that with its latest initiative designed to connect families using personalised 'social streams'.

Under the scheme, a large screen is placed in a communal area and family and friends can post messages and photos to their loved ones using specific hashtags.

EventsTag's Care Home initiative installs a screen in communal areas of care homes (Holly House in Enfield pictured) and lets friends and family send messages and pictures. The scheme was set up to provide a way for residents to feel more connected to loved ones, without having to get to grips with technology themselves

Not only does this let family members share events with their elderly or sick relatives, it also means the residents don't have to know how to use a smartphone or computer to see these posts.

EventsTag uses a unique algorithm to collate and pull all tagged content through to a single slideshow, shown on a screen within the event or venue. 

This is done using the specific APIs of each social media channel including Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. 

All posts are moderated, and the care home can additionally self-moderate too.  

To launch the initiative, EventsTag is offering a free installation to care homes across the UK.

The first of these has been installed in the Holly Home Care Home in Enfield.

In addition to the feed, the firm is also providing social media tutorials to the residents in two, hour-long sessions.

Dan Strang, chief executive of EventsTag said: 'With an ageing population and families living further apart from each other, we know that there is a growing demand for alternative ways for family members and friends to keep in touch with care home residents.

'EventsTag for Care Homes allows the elderly to enjoy greetings from their friends or pictures of their grandchildren on holiday, without having to grapple with complicated smartphones or the internet.'  

Parent company, Crowd Reactive, was established in London in 2012 and delivers live social media feeds and experiences for major global events. 

It also offers a smaller, bespoke service for weddings under its ii.do brand.

EventsTag works by creating a unique hashtag for an event or specific institution. The audience is encouraged to share pictures and messages through personal social media channels using the hashtag

It uses a unique algorithm to collate and pull all tagged content through to a single slideshow, shown on a screen (pictured) within the event or venue. This is done using the specific APIs of each social media channel including Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

Noel Holland, Owner of Holly House added: 'Technology is often overwhelming for our residents to use and enjoy themselves, which is entirely understandable.

'However, we know that they may be missing out on pictures and videos so readily shared by younger family members.

' The new screen in our day room is a fantastic way to overcome this. We have had so much enjoyment out of it already, as residents wait in anticipation for lovely updates from their nearest and dearest.'

EventsTags' scheme is not the first to use technology to help people in care homes connect with their families. 

To launch the initiative, EventsTag is offering a free installation to care homes across the UK. The first of these has been installed in the Holly Home Care Home in Enfield (pictured). In addition to the feed, the firm is also providing social media tutorials to the residents in two, hour-long sessions

Residents at Hebrew Home in Riverdale care home in New York are shown recordings from relatives each morning in the hope it will ease their confusion, forgetfulness and agitation.

Relatives are encouraged to take part to say good morning, use memory-triggering personal anecdotes and remind their loved ones that care home staff will be helping them get dressed and ready for the day. 

It was inspired by the the 2004 50 First Dates film, starring Adam Sandler, in which his character uses the technique to remind Drew Barrymore who he is after she suffers a brain injury.