Islanders are being invited to keep their older relatives connected with the launch of a new local service.
Island based aurisbuddies.com today (Monday) announced the launch of a new service to help older people, at home, stay connected.
Those in care homes will receive the service free.
The new service helps older people connect with their loved ones, and the wider world, by providing them with access to Alexa devices for video calling and other services.
Inspired by a pilot project that AurisBuddies conducted on the Isle of Wight, together with partners’ Embracing Age, a charity and Oakray Care which has several care homes on the Island.
The pilot project showed the use of Alexa devices could have a significant impact on the lives of older people in care.
For example, the devices can be used to make video calls, listen to music, set reminders, and make lists and get news and weather updates.
Speaking for Embracing Age, Rebecca Savage (Island Coordinator) said:
“The project was the perfect extension to all the other work our volunteers carry out across the island.
"As part of a charitable mission, AurisBuddies and Embracing Age will continue to provide the service free to Care Homes on the Island.”
AurisBuddies, for those at home, is a paid for service that is delivered in the customer’s home with the help of a chosen loved one.
“We are excited to launch AurisBuddies and help more older people stay connected,” said Jamie Macaulay, MD of AurisBuddies.
“We believe that this service can make a real difference in the lives of older people and their families”
AurisBuddies is currently available on the Isle of Wight.