Yes I agree with Jennifer the second suggestion is the one that will inform the first. Dementia is extremely variable and we always have to be aware that individuals will have different presentations but that shouldn’t continue to prevent us from trying to classify needs holistically. We do need better integration of the health, social care and family/voluntary services input.
It could be incompetence but some care homes are resistant to the use of WiFi as it facilitates relatives installing cameras in residents rooms. There is also the question of data security. But yes a review of digital access to care homes is certainly one of the things that will have to be rethought.
Do they not to FaceTime or some kind of video conferencing. Here in Manchester when the lockdown started 30/80 care homes had noWi Fi access now the Local Authority has ensured that all have a WiFi. Have you tried talking to the Local Authority perhaps they might get a reaction. LA register homes so they have to pay attention. Never let a crisis go to waste.
How do you feel about chat bots. These are computer apps that are programmed to respond to questions and, well, chat, not a genuine communication but if one is really needing to practise just talking that might be an option. It’s a question of whether it is just a technical problem of remembering sentence construction and practising or whether there needs to be a real personal interaction and how to tell the difference. What do people think?
No there are a lot of people falling through a lot of cracks and the NHS is deep in defensive mode. I hope you and your parents stay safe. There will have to be explanations for some of these bizarre decisions in time.
Jitsi does sound very interesting and apparently you can configure your own server to your own requirements or get their commercial arm to do it for you.
I’ve no expertise in programming or system design so I’m not sure how useful I would be, but I could certainly play devils advocate if that helps. I think the significant phrase in your reply is - if used carefully- I don’t think we can assume that they always will be.
