A University of Stirling led project helped keep care home residents connected during the pandemic, research has found.

Research concluded the ‘Connecting Residents in Scotland’s Care Homes’ (CRSCH) initiative played an important role in supporting care home residents to maintain contact with family members during Covid-19 lockdowns.

Thanks to the programme, which launched in November 2020, 75% of Scotland’s 1,398 care homes in Scotland received at least one iPad, while 115 took possession of multiple devices.  iPads were used to support regular video calls between residents and family members, with the technology also found to provide further benefits including physical activity and entertainment.

The tablets were used to engage residents in a range of activities, including listening to music, watching videos, and Google Maps, with these activities often used to support reminiscence.  Many activities were also personalised for individual residents, by creating individual playlists or YouTube video selections for example. Use of the technology resulted in improved mood and a reduction in boredom, and access to health services.

The project also had a positive impact on care home staff who enjoyed using the iPads to support and engage with residents as well as using the devices for notetaking, training via videoconferencing, online meetings and for care planning through specific apps.

Research lead, dementia specialist, Dr Grant Gibson said: “Our evaluation found that the technology also upskilled staff, with those working as activity or wellbeing coordinators the most likely to embrace the technology, with the project demonstrating just how crucial these staff members are in care homes.”