In late March 2020 the World Health Organisation declared a world
Pandemic caused by the rapidly spreading Covid 19 virus. The British
Government supported by the Scottish Government implemented a number of
restrictive measures including “Lockdown” and “Shielding” in order to
reduce the movement of the public and the spread of the virus. This
meant that many individuals with cognitive decline who relied on family,
carers, day services and their local community for additional support
had their support removed overnight. While services made plans for
alternative methods of service delivery for example telephone contact,
meal delivery etc. individuals were left socially isolated, often
leading to further cognitive decline.
District 1020 would like to consider the purchase of tablets and supporting software to tackle the social isolation and support isolated individuals, thus enhancing their social interaction and quality of life.
District 1020 considered the impact of isolation in the community and
the lack of resource available to groups working with dementia and
cognitively impaired clients and applied for a Global Grant to tackle
mental health and isolation caused by the Covid 19 pandemic and the
restrictions placed on vulnerable people.
Work in a local district general hospital {ST Johns @ Livingston} within the busy general medical wards highlighted that the use of technology and various meeting platforms could bring individuals together remotely. This was found to be a highly positive experience for patients, families and staff increasing the social contact with families while reducing distress and agitation with dementia patients.
With guidance from the dementia nurse
specialist staff down loaded music, games, puzzles and painting apps to
tablets and were very enthused when the cognitively impaired individuals
with a little prompting in the beginning were soon mastering the
technology and the games. The technology was also used to allow carers
and families be in contact daily with patients who were identified as
being isolated and vulnerable.
Local Rotary Groups have begun to identify numerous support groups
and day centres, many of whom are run on a voluntary basis with grant
funding, that had clients who would benefit, both in the short term during
the immediate restrictions of the pandemic and in the longer term if
they become house bound or have service cut backs, from remote face to
face contact from services or “ zoom type coffee mornings” . It would be
very beneficial on a number of levels for individuals to have social
contact, be able to use the various activities apps and have face to
face contact with professional care givers who would be in a better
position to monitor their health status. However resources are such that
to purchase tablets devices to ensure internet access are possibly
beyond the reach of many groups.
There will be a closing date for applications of the 30th September 2020.
After the closing date if there are any tablets undistributed then these will be distributed on a needs basis from the applications already received.
Please note that the tablets will be internet ready but we are unable to provide funds for connection to the Internet.
The applications will be dealt with by then project Short Term
working Group (STWG) consisting of PDG Agnes Ritchie; PDG Allan
Maclaughlan and PDG Jo Pawley the decisions of the STWG will be final.
Clubs can download the application form here:-
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