Wednesday February 23, 2022

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Giant’ leap forward for Balhousie Care residents as they enjoy entertainment and activities at the touch of a screen

  • Giant touchscreen tables prove nobody’s too old for new technology

Residents of Balhousie Care homes have proved they can adapt to new technology like the best of us.

In a trial across the group’s care homes, residents are ‘busting the myths’ by using giant touchscreen tables to access interactive activities, video calling, apps and virtual travel tours.

The state-of-the-art tables are wheelchair-accessible, height-adjustable and can move from room to room. Residents in seven Balhousie facilities, including its Blairgowrie, Coupar Angus and Luncarty homes, have been using them to play games, complete crosswords and word searches, practice musical instruments and call their loved ones.

Sheilah Harvey, Head of Operations at Balhousie Care Group, said: “Person-centred care has always been a priority for us at Balhousie, as has independence for our residents. The touchscreen tables are so adaptable and easy to use that they tick many boxes for us. They can be moved around easily, including into residents’ bedrooms if they are immobile or just want some time on their own.

Jules Ritchie-Urry, Home Manager at Balhousie Stormont Lodge in Blairgowrie, said: “It’s wonderful to see our residents adapting to the tables so quickly. They are constantly proving that age is not a barrier to enjoying life and learning new things.”

The touchscreen tables, made by Agilico, enable staff to capture data on resident activity. They also complement two activities initiatives recently launched across Balhousie Care Group: Oomph! On Demand, a digital platform providing person-centred activities and exercise, from dance lessons to virtual travel; and danceSing Care, a video based music and movement programme and research project being conducted in Balhousie homes in partnership with Stirling University.

Balhousie, currently shortlisted for a Scottish Care Award for its meaningful activities, has invested £40,000 in the tables in homes in Perthshire, Aberdeenshire, Fife and Dundee. Based on the results of the trial, it hopes to roll them out to the rest of its 26 care facilities across six regions of Scotland.

For more information on Balhousie Care Group visit www.balhousiecare.co.uk

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For media enquiries please contact Gillian Drummond on gillian.drummond@balhousiecare.co.uk or call 01738 254254/07365 284994.

Photo captions:

  1. (IMG 1667) Residents of Balhousie Coupar Angus use their touchscreen tables to take part in exercises.
  2. Balhousie Luncarty resident John Simpson with Carer Katie Burns pays a virtual visit to an aquarium.
  3. Val Naughton, resident at Balhousie Stormont Lodge in Blairgowrie, plays piano.

 

Notes to Editors

About Balhousie Care Group

Balhousie Care Group was formed 30 years ago to fill a gap in quality residential care in North East Scotland. Today, with 26 homes in the area, it is one of the leading providers of care for the elderly in Scotland, providing care to over 900 residents.

Balhousie Care prides itself on its person-centred approach to care. Putting people right at the forefront of everything they do; it’s inclusive of everyone. They capture this philosophy through the roll out of ‘Together We’re Great’, an initiative which recognises the skills, talents, attributes and support areas for each and every person involved in the organisation. Together We’re Great aims to value individuality and promote excellence across the organisation.

A Participation Charter – a first-of-its-kind in the care home sector – commits to residents getting a bigger say than ever in the care they receive, from writing care home policies to recruiting staff.

Balhousie Care Group is the recipient of numerous awards. These include three Scottish Care Awards, a 2021 Great British Care Award, 2019 Growth Business and 2018 Service Business of the Year at The Courier Business Awards, 2019 Growth Business of the Year Perthshire Chamber of Commerce STAR Award, and SME Scotland Business Man of the Year 2019 for Chairman Tony Banks.