A plan to improve digital connectivity in care homes has been drawn up as the covid-19 pandemic speeds up the need to use technology.

Members of the care home community across Scotland – including staff, residents and their families – are being asked to comment on draft proposals outlining priority areas for improvement.

The report notes the pandemic has pushed people towards using technology which has required “everyone to embrace this change at an unprecedented pace”.

Examples include care home residents keeping connected with their loved ones via video and changing ways of working in social care, such as virtual tours within care homes and digital care planning.

Some of the actions suggested to improve the use of technology include identifying care homes without superfast broadband, using grant schemes to address connectivity issues and making sure suitable devices are available for residents.

Care homes should adopt Near Me online video consultations and be supported to use existing platforms such as Skype to help residents stay in touch with their families and friends, the action plan suggests.

Visitors to care homes were restricted during the lockdown, which led to families raising concerns over the impact on their loved ones.

The wellbeing of staff in care homes could also be boosted by offering a range of digital therapies, such as online wellbeing courses.

The report states: “With 1400 care home providing a home to over 42,000 residents of all ages with varying needs and care plans a range of solutions are needed to meet the potential range of health, social and wellbeing needs that could be met digitally.”

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