Assistive tech helps keep care home residents connected and engaged during lockdown

A new Clevertouch interactive display unit and some virtual reality (VR) headsets have allowed residents at the Leonard Cheshire Hill House care home in Sandbach, Cheshire, to take in the sights of Arley Hall’s vast grounds and stunning gardens.

At a private tea party hosted on 30 September, the 24 residents were treated to the debut of a personal video tour of the gardens led by Lord and Lady Ashbrook, who own Arley Hall.

Joining them was TV gardener and Leonard Cheshire ambassador Mark Lane, who spoke to the Ashbrooks in detail about the gardens and the work they do to make their grounds accessible for disabled people.

Lord Ashbrook commented: “I have long had a relationship with Hill House, its residents and staff. For many years, my wife Zoe and I have much enjoyed hosting an annual tea party for them at Arley, as well as showing them round the garden.

“I know that disabled people can benefit greatly from horticulture, so it is a particular pleasure this year, when an actual visit has not been possible, to have been able to take part in this film. I hope it will be greatly enjoyed by the residents and others who see it.”

Following the debut video, residents were also able to take in 360° panoramic views of the gardens using VR headsets, followed by a special question and answer session with Lord and Lady Ashbrook and Mark Lane, who joined the tea party via Zoom.

Hill House is home to 24 residents with a range of disabilities and communication needs. The care home is currently the focus of an exciting assistive technology project, which aims to give residents who struggle with verbal communication a voice.

The programme will see residents and staff engaging with new technologies and devices to help increase independence and widen the range of social interaction opportunities for residents.

The assistive technology is combined with the support of a speech and language therapist and an occupational therapist. Together, they’ll help each individual get the most out of the technology.

“Throughout the pandemic we’ve been busy introducing new devices and activities to tackle loneliness, keep our residents connected and offer access to brand new experiences, all within the four walls of Hill House,” explained David Hursthouse, Assistive Technology Project Manager. “We were so thrilled to be able to able to bring this virtual tour to our residents, who have always loved their visits to Arley Hall. Assistive technology really offers a wide range of opportunities for disabled people and has been instrumental in improving the social wellbeing of our residents during a very testing time.”