Glendale Lodge introduces digital photo frames
The frames are being used to reduce loneliness among residents, with their families and loved ones able to remotely send images to them.
BaptistCare’s latest aged care home Glendale Lodge in Elderslie, New South Wales, is providing Lifeframe digital photo frames for residents as part of its additional services package.
Simple and intuitive to use, the digital frames are being supplied through a partnership with aged care technology distributor HOMELife Technology.
BaptistCare services plus lead for residential services Brittany Butterfield told Australian Ageing Agenda that the digital frames have been appreciated by residents and their families at the new 96-bed home.
“Residents and their families have embraced the technology, and staff have seen firsthand how the frames help create a more homely, personalised environment. The feedback has been great, with families particularly appreciating this easy way to share moments and stay connected with their loved ones,” she told AAA.
“At BaptistCare, we’re committed to exploring and implementing technology that genuinely improves our residents’ daily lives and quality of care. The success of the digital frames at Glendale Lodge demonstrates the positive impact that thoughtfully chosen technology can have, and we’re always looking at new ways to enhance connection, comfort, and care across all our homes,” Ms Butterfield added.
As BaptistCare’s newest home, Glendale Lodge provided the perfect opportunity to incorporate innovative technology from the ground up, Ms Butterfield explained – with the not-for-profit wanting to not just set a new benchmark for resident care but also demonstrate its commitment to using modern solutions to enhance wellbeing.
“These frames serve a vital purpose beyond just displaying photos. They help residents maintain meaningful connections with family and friends, which is crucial for reducing loneliness and isolation in aged care. By enabling families to remotely share photos and memories, residents can stay engaged with their loved ones’ daily lives, significantly improving their happiness and overall quality of life,” she told AAA.
The photos appear automatically, without the user having to touch the screen, but if they like, they can tap the screen to send a thank you emoji or love heart back to the sender, explained HOMELife Technology director Paul Colley.
The sender can also add captions to explain the image if desired, he said.
“As we age, we often find it harder to stay connected using digital technology like phones and computers. Lifeframe brings back all the joy, connection and memories of photos for everyone, especially people who may be feeling isolated or lonely,” he told AAA.
“They also help with the challenge when people want to keep all their precious photos but have less space to keep them in a residential facility. They are also a wonderful tool for reminiscence therapy which can help to evoke memories and improve wellbeing,” he added.
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