Using Technology for Conversations: Video Calls and Social Media

Video calls have transformed communication, offering a more personal and engaging way to stay in touch. For many of our clients, who may find it challenging to leave their homes, video calling provides a vital connection to the outside world. Whether through a quick video chat with a family member or a scheduled video call with friends, this technology ensures that our clients remain socially active and emotionally supported.

The Benefits of Video Calling

1. Enhanced Communication: Unlike traditional voice calls, video calling incorporates body language and facial expressions, crucial elements of communication. This added layer of interaction helps create more meaningful and connected conversations.
2. Convenience: Video calls can be made from virtually anywhere with a stable internet connection. Whether our clients use mobile phones, tablets, or computers, they can easily connect with their loved ones without leaving the comfort of their homes.
3. Reduced Feelings of Isolation: Particularly important for those who have had to self-isolate or are living alone, video calls can significantly reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. Regularly seeing and interacting with familiar faces can provide comfort and reassurance.

Practical Applications

At Home Instead New Forest, we encourage our clients to utilise various video calling platforms. Popular options include Skype, Zoom, and FaceTime, each offering unique features to suit different needs. For instance, Skype and Zoom are excellent for group chats, allowing multiple family members to join a single call, making it a virtual family gathering.

Additionally, we assist our clients in setting up and using these technologies. Our Care Professionals are trained to help with everything from installing apps to troubleshooting common issues, ensuring that our clients enjoy seamless communication experiences.

Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter offer another avenue for maintaining connections. These platforms facilitate the sharing of all the latest photos and updates, as well as engaging in instant messaging and group chats. For many elderly individuals, social media can be unfamiliar territory, but with a little guidance, it can become a valuable tool for staying connected.

How Social Media Helps

1. Sharing Memories: Platforms like Facebook and Instagram allow users to share photos and videos, keeping family members updated on daily activities and special moments. This sharing fosters a sense of inclusion and participation in each other’s lives.
2. Instant Communication: Features such as Facebook Messenger enable instant messages and video chats, providing a quick and easy way to stay in touch. This immediacy can be especially comforting during times of need or emergency.
3. Community Engagement: Social media platforms host numerous groups and communities where like-minded individuals can connect. Whether it’s a group for former Facebook employees, a closed group for approved members, or a local community group, these platforms provide a sense of belonging and support.

Encouraging Safe Use

Understanding the importance of online safety, Home Instead New Forest offers guidance on using social media responsibly. We help our clients set privacy settings, recognise potential online scams, and teach them how to manage their profiles securely. This support ensures that our clients can enjoy the benefits of social media without compromising their safety.

Consider the case of Mrs. Brown, one of our long-term clients. Mrs. Brown was initially hesitant about using technology but soon discovered the joys of video chatting with her grandchildren living abroad. With the help of her Care Professional, she now enjoys weekly video calls and feels much closer to her family, despite the distance.

Similarly, Mr. Green, another client, found a new hobby in sharing his gardening progress on Facebook. The positive feedback and interactions he receives from friends and community members have significantly boosted his morale and sense of accomplishment.

Using technology for conversations, particularly through video calls and social media, can significantly enhance the lives of those receiving home care services. At Home Instead New Forest, we are committed to helping our clients stay connected, engaged, and supported through these modern communication tools. By combining compassionate care with the latest technology, we ensure that our clients enjoy meaningful interactions and maintain strong relationships with their loved ones.

If you or a loved one could benefit from our services, do not hesitate to contact us for more information. Let us help you stay connected, because at Home Instead New Forest, we believe that communication is the key to a happier, healthier life.