Aroostook Health Center residents go high-tech
MARS HILL, Maine — Historically, technology has changed much of the world. Thankfully, a lot of new technology is also very user-friendly, and staff at Aroostook Health Center (AHC) in Mars Hill are taking important steps to make it available to their residents.
After seeing how valuable a tool an iPad could be for residents who owned one, the staff were able to invest in a few for other residents to use. Thanks to a generous donation by the Mars Hill Rotary Club, that number of iPads has now increased, giving even more residents access to the Internet and the ability to play games and puzzles.
Access to this technology is a real asset in more ways than one, according to Vicki Jackson, activities specialist.
“They are believed to help improve motor skills, provide memory stimulation and cognitive function and create a positive impact on the social interaction of those with and without dementia,” she explained of the games and puzzles.
There is a renewed sense of adventure that comes with the ability to easily access information. “I helped a resident who is 90 years old find pictures of her hometown. She told me stories about her life. It was really interesting — like listening to a book with some pictures to go with it,” she said.
One aspect that the general public often takes for granted these days is social media. There is a potentially enormous positive impact that is possible with sites like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Jackson said, “One lady, who is 94, wanted to use the iPad to connect with her grandchildren that she had never seen in South Carolina. She was so thrilled to actually see them.” She explained residents who have tablets are also very active in the offered activity programs available at AHC and are not replacing them with electronics. “One lady, who is 92, used to paint pictures that are displayed in our facility. She’s now doing puzzles on her iPad and she said it’s like she’s painting a picture. She loves it.”
One resident with an overflowing positive outlook on life and a magical sense of humor said, “I check the obituaries daily on my tablet, and if I’m not there, I can go to bingo.”
The iPads are even increasing the social interactions of some residents. For instance, instead of watching a movie in their room, they take the iPad to a friend’s room or the solarium and watch it there.
Though it’s just the beginning, AHC staff believe that having easy access to loved ones via social media and staying in touch with how they’re living their lives is the most important result of the implementation of new technology.
