SCOTTISH Care – the voice of the independent social care sector in Scotland – has launched an appeal to help connect residents of care homes with their loved ones.

Social distancing measures are in place across the country’s care homes, and visits have been suspended to protect staff and the elderly.

Now the sector is looking at smart ways to bridge the gap to bring people together.

The plan took off when publicist Jenn Nimmo-Smith, director of PR agency Electric Shores, became concerned about her mother during the coronavirus lockdown.

Although she was able to video call her mother on an iPad, she was aware that not all residents would have face-to-face communication.

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Scottish Care has now launched a Tech Device Network and is looking for people to donate any devices which can be used to enable social connection using apps or simply through the internet, including tablets, laptops, smart TVs and larger smartphones.

Devices should ideally be new, unused, or minimally used, and complete with chargers or remote controls.

They should also be cleared of any personal information and protected against malware.

Nimmo-Smith said: “As my mum is in a care home, now more than ever video calling is going to be our lifeline to connect. My hope is that this will help other families and those with loved ones who they can’t visit given the current Covid-19 pandemic to stay in contact and enable that connection that is so important and vital to our relationships.

“I’d also like to send my love to all the people going through this just now – you’re not alone and we can get through this together.”

Becca Young, Scottish Care’s policy and research manager, added: “The current Covid-19 pandemic is impacting all of our lives in unprecedented ways and making us think differently about how we remain connected to each other whilst physically distanced.

“We are delighted to partner with Jenn to launch this Tech Device Network, supporting the wellbeing of our older and vulnerable citizens receiving care here in Scotland through access to technology.

“Many are likely to be experiencing significantly reduced physical contact and social engagement as a result of the current pandemic and this initiative is a positive way in which we can keep our communities connected.”