Can technology adoption enable better mental health?

Yes it can. We know that an active brain resists the onset of Dementia and Alzheimers, and brings a heap of other benefits to patients - at a small cost to your organisation. Here's a few tips on getting IT working for you at your aged care facility:

Create a computer room

Residents can use it for connecting with their family, learning new skills and keeping up to date with the latest around the world. The Federal Government has provided an initiative for the provision of a minimum of two computers and an Internet connection per aged care facility.

Introduce new basic computer skills courses

Just simple things like how to use a computer to email, write letters, watch YouTube, surf the web and use social networking sites. Outcomes for residents can only be positive.

Prepare for Baby Boomers

Studies suggest that Baby Boomers will be more demanding than previous cohorts. The idea that elderly don’t get technology is quickly becoming irrelevant. This group has largely adopted technology in most aspects of their lives - they'll expect facilities to enable them to continue their connection with the web.

It's affordable

If you haven’t already heard, The Broadband for seniors initiative can provide at a minimum two computers, an Internet connection and training for seniors - a maximum of value of $10,000 per location.  

Or, you may have the resources in house to build your own kiosks. For as little as $600 per desktop computer you would be well on your way to developing a suitably-resourced computer room.