It is commonly known that older people are vulnerable to loneliness and social isolation, which can have a serious effect on health. But in Scotland, they have found a new way to overcome this: through interactive video.
Telehealth Video Conference
Four Scottish care homes will use video to allow residents to join the telehealth services project. This means that they can get together via a televised link, and join group singalongs and other chair-based exercises in unity.
Virtual Clinical Consultation
And this is only the beginning, as health staff are aiming to build virtual clinical consultation and support groups to be accessed digitally.
Telehealth programme manager, Morag Hearthy, stated: “Benefits include ease of accessibility and helping residents maintain their own independence without having to leave their homely setting for routine checks, where safe and appropriate.
The value of the other activities shouldn’t be underestimated – technology allows people to remain connected and forge new relationships.”
Interactive Video
Building an interactive video platform for multiple purposes such as entertainment, health consultation and support groups will pave the way for interactive video in the healthcare sector.
The possibilities beyond this are limitless; routine check-ups, healthcare training, wellness tracking and more are all on the horizon to help enhance patients' experiences.
Source: http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/local-news/monklands-care-home-residents-given-11246521
