Anchor Hanover joins forces with the NHS and Facebook to combat loneliness

Anchor Hanover care homes are trialling new technology aimed at helping residents keep in touch during the coronavirus pandemic.

Our 114 homes have been given free Facebook Portals as part of a project run by the social media giant and the NHS to reduce social isolation during the outbreak.

This technology is allowing more of our residents to video call their loved ones and our care staff have noticed a positive difference – their expressions, body language and mood are lifted and families are less worried.

Even those with family abroad have been able to connect and spend precious time together.

Not only have the Portals allowed residents to get back some sense of normality, they have ensured that they haven’t had to miss special occasions. Shirley Noble at Springfield care home was able to have a virtual 90th birthday with her family. What could have been a quiet and possibly isolated birthday due to the pandemic, was transformed into a happy occasion where all her family could celebrate together.

Arthur Drury from Hatfield House care home was able to use a Portal to see his new-born grandchild. Something which would have otherwise been impossible in the current situation.

One home, Hatfield House, has even used a Portal to organise quizzes between seven Anchor care homes spread across the country.

The Portals have also been particularly important for residents living with dementia as it is sometimes difficult for them to understand why their relatives are unable to visit. Having the ability to speak to their relatives means they are more relaxed and able to enjoy daily activities much more easily and without confusion.

Residents living in Anchor’s care homes have long benefited from the variety of technology, from iPads, interactive tables where shapes and games are projected onto a tabletop and virtual reality headsets. The Facebook Portal’s are an extension of these but have come at a valuable time where our residents need the ability to stay connected.

To see more of our residents connecting with their families, follow the Anchor Hanover Twitter where we share highlights of all our homes activities and the fantastic work our colleagues do each and every day.