Vanessa Lam
31 October 2014: From seeing the New York skyline to hearing a private concert from Tamworth, University of Canberra Master of Occupational Therapy students have helped connect aged care residents with their loved ones via Skype from the comfort of their rooms.
In a program that may be the first of its kind in Australia, the 'Keep in Touch' initiative was introduced by, Cathy Tippett, Nikki Burdfield and Edie Cloughessy while on an eight-week placement at the IRT Kangara Waters aged care facility as part of their degree.
This is the first time occupational therapy students from the University have done their placement in an aged care facility, the students have helped connect families interstate and international face-to-face, with Ms Tippett saying they "weren't aware of any other programs like this in Canberra, and perhaps Australia".
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Occupational therapy students Cathy Tippett, Nikki Burdfield and Edie Cloughessy help resident Joyce Schwinghamer talk to her family over Skype. Photo: Michelle McAulay. |
Ms Tippett said it was great to be able to connect the residents with their families and the program was an exciting opportunity to put what they've learnt in the classroom into practice.
"Just seeing the excitement on residents' faces when they are able to physically see their loved ones is an unforgettable memory. For most people, spending time with family and friends is one of our most significant occupations. We hope that the Keep in Touch program will enhance residents' connection with family and friends," Ms Tippett said.
The students have developed a policy to implement the program at the facility permanently, saying the response from residents has been positive and that their family members have also praised the program – with one resident's son saying he felt closer to his mother now because distance wasn't an issue.
"One lady has a daughter working as a lawyer in New York and she gave her a tour of the Manhattan skyline through her apartment window. One resident has a son in Tamworth and they're a really musical family, so he and the granddaughter put on a little concert, and she also talks to her family in Minnesota," Ms Tippett said.
Ms Burdfield added that: "one resident was so excited when she saw her daughter that she wanted to hug the computer!"
