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WHO CARES? SOCIAL MEDIA FOR THE ELDERLY LAUNCHED
AN INNOVATIVE and easy to use communication tool aimed at
tackling the current problems
of isolation and loneliness within the elderly in the UK, has
just been launched.
Technology business i-Spy Digital has launched Care Messenger, a
simple social
communication system designed specifically for the elderly which
connects them to their
family, friends and even their doctor through their own TV and
remote.
Care Messenger has been designed for use by those who are not
always confident with new
technology but spend most their time in front of the TV such as
the older generation.
It allows other users to send reminders, photos and messages via
an app on their PC,
smartphone or tablet directly to the elderly persons TV. The
recipient can then reply back
through their TV remote with a simple choice of responses, if
given.
Paul Slaughter, CEO of i-Spy Digital, said: We know from Age UK
that isolation within the
elderly is a major issue and Care Messenger is a way of tackling
that problem. We live in an
ageing population where almost a quarter of the countrys
population will be aged 65 and
over by 2034.
There is a growing need for more technology tailored around
helping the elderly tackle
feelings of isolation, we have listened to those needs and
created something that can be
used socially but also logically as a tool for doctors to keep
in touch with older patients
sending out reminders of appointments or to take medication.
The elderly are very familiar with using their TV remote
controls and so the development of
Care Messenger was built around modern and familiar technology
so that relatives easily
keep in contact.
Technology expert and ex-Tomorrows World presenter Michael Rodd
said: Back in the
1970s all of us on Tomorrows World understood that technology is
only valuable if those
who can benefit are confident about using it.
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Now Ive reached an age when I understand only too well that, for
older people, Care
Messenger offers the very real benefits of todays digital world
without any need to get
involved in intimidating memory tests like passwords and
IDs.
What makes it special is the tricky stuff that keeps the service
personal and secure is left to
those best able to handle such things younger relatives, friends
and supporters who can
use the best of todays communication technology to let those who
they care about share in
their excitement of being alive and help take care of everyones
well being.
Britain was recently identified as the loneliness capital of
Europe in a recent survey by the
Office for National Statistics.
Alma Caldwell, CEO at Age UK North Tyneside says: We see Care
Messenger as being an
excellent way to allow families and carers to communicate with
their elderly loved ones and
clients. It is a very exciting product which is very simple to
install and use and yet has a
massive impact on elderly people.
Care Messenger is currently being installed into an extra care
scheme in Sunderland,
Dovecote Meadow. Victoria Barclay, the regional director from
Housing and Care 21 said:
We have almost 100 tenants in our new scheme and we are really
pleased with the benefit
that our residents have had from Care Messenger. This is the
third elderly community we
have integrated this technology into successfully.
Paul Slaughter adds: With Care Messenger the elderly can be
connected to all their family
and friends who will then lessen the burden of isolation. Our
aim is to open up a whole new
world of contact and communication for the elderly and
especially those people whose family
do not live near them.
The Care Messenger set top box takes minutes to install onto any
TV and with it any number
of relatives and friends can send unlimited messages to the
recipient. For further information
visitwww.caremessenger.co.ukor phone 0191 206 4004.
- ENDS -
Media, for more information contact:
http://www.caremessenger.co.uk/http://www.caremessenger.co.uk/
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Sally Pearson, Head of PR, Press Ahead:
T:0191 516 6235 |M:07860 953 888 |E:[email protected]
Misba Islam, PR Assistant, Press Ahead:
T:0191 516 6235 |M:07517650884
NOTES TO EDITOR:
Link to a short film about Mary Laidlow, with Michael Rodd,
about what Care
Messenger means to her:http://www.vimeo.com/99016664
There are over 5 million adults in the UK cut off from email,
messaging and social
media and up to 75% of people who are aged 65 plus are not
confident in using theinternet (source: OFCOM)
The UK has an ageing population and by 2034, 23% of the
population will be 65 plus.
Caring for Britains growing elderly population is estimated to
cost up to 106 billion
per year and in 2010, around 600,000 people were in full time
care in the UK with an
additional 1.7 million regarded as infirm and in need of some
support. The capacity
of the countrys care homes will need to increase by 82% over the
two decades to
allow us to cope with the change in demographic. (Source:
OFCOM)
Britain the Loneliness Capital of Europe (Statistics from the
Office of National
Statistics)
mailto:[email protected]://www.vimeo.com/99016664mailto:[email protected]://www.vimeo.com/99016664
