5:00pm Friday 22nd January 2010
STATE of the art games consoles, computers and DVD players might not fit in with the image of a care home, but for elderly residents at Church View it is the perfect package.
Residents at the home in Rainer Close, Stratton St Margaret, have shunned crossword puzzles for a brand new Nintendo Wii to get them up and active as well as challenging them mentally.
The system combines the use of a Nintendo Wii console, a desktop computer and a DVD player linked to a projector system with specially customised features including a keyboard with large, easy to use keys, a track ball mouse system and touch screen applications.
Jo Butler, home manager, said, “Everyone in the home is really excited about the newly-installed computer system, which was commissioned and paid for by the residents, followed a questionnaire.
“The residents have worked hard to fundraise over the last 12 months to raise money for the new system, particularly Dennis Gleeson who partook in a microlight flight at the end of last year, which makes it all the more worthwhile.” The system has been designed specifically for elderly and disabled people and it is thought this is the first time Wiltshire care home to receive this.
Mrs Butler said: “The special applications will make it extremely simple for all our residents to use and should help to dispel any fears they may have of using computers.
“It is important that older people remain mentally and physically active so we have bought Wii sports for the Nintendo Wii console and Brain Training for our desktop console to help with both dexterity and mental activities.
“The projector link will also help residents to see what is on the screen much more easily”.
Computer programmer, Matthew Stone, who is Mrs Butler’s son-in-law, designed the innovative new system.
The new computer system is part of a refurbishment that Church View has recently undergone.
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