Smile! You're on tablet camera
Thanks to technology, socialising in the age of COVID-19 has been easier than ever. Ask George.
If there is one thing the circuit breaker measures in Singapore has shown us, it is that people are fundamentally social. Being able to step outside one’s home has become a luxury and when we do, it will require a different approach than what we have been used to.
Thankfully, human ingenuity has allowed us to stay connected - digitally. Be it working from home or simply trying to keep it together, we are doing what we can to continue socialising with our family, friends and colleagues.
But what if one is not a “native speaker” of the digital language?
Well, that is certainly not stopping residents at Apex Harmony Lodge (AHL), a purpose-built lodge for persons with dementia.
>> Press play & say hello to George!
Since the circuit breaker started in Singapore, visitation by family members have been prohibited at AHL. Isolation and loneliness can have a negative impact on residents at AHL.
To help the residents stay connected, CapitaLand, through its philanthropic arm CapitaLand Hope Foundation, donated 20 smart tablets to AHL. This way, they can continue to communicate with their loved ones!
We speak to AHL resident Mr George Lim over a video call to find out how he is adjusting to Singapore's circuit breaker measures while keeping engaged with the tablet.
INSIDE: Hi George! Please introduce yourself to our readers.
George: Hi, my name is George Lim. I live here at Apex Harmony Lodge. I do what I can (like taking this interview) to stay active otherwise I have nothing to do.
INSIDE: How have you been spending your time at the Lodge since circuit breaker measures kicked in?
George: The community care staff have been involving me in tasks such as baking bread and printing labels.
I also enjoy the outdoors, especially admiring the flowers blooming in the Lodge's garden.
INSIDE: How familiar are you using a smart tablet? What are your favourite activities on there?
George: I have been using tablets for a number of years.
I typically watch videos, play games, read the news, as well as stay in touch with friends whom I have known for a long time.
INSIDE: Speaking of friends, how has your relationship with them changed during the circuit breaker period?
George: I don't feel there is much of a change, as communicating with them on the tablet has been smooth.
We are able to continually share jokes with each other.
INSIDE: What will you do now until circuit breaker is over?
George: I am staying engaged at the Lodge as much as possible. So far, so good, no complaints.
INSIDE: Thank you very much for your time. Take care and stay safe!
George: I will. Thank you!
Photos (top and bottom):
George gives his sign of approval on using the tablet and catching up on the latest news.
Bringing smiles to residents at Apex Harmony Lodge 😊
>> Press play & say hello to Neela!
INSIDE also spoke to Ms Neelavathi, an enrolled nurse at AHL to find out what she has noticed in her job as an enrolled nurse at AHL.
INSIDE: What noticeable changes in the residents’ behaviour have you observed before and during the circuit breaker period?
Neela: While some residents can get restless, there are a number of them who understand that there is a pandemic happening and the importance of practising safe distancing. Before the smart tablets arrived, we would engage the residents in folding linens, watering plants, and maintaining the garden.
INSIDE: How do residents familiarise themselves with using the smart tablets?
Neela: We usually play their favourite programmes on the tablets. Cooking programmes, for instance, is a hit with female residents. We will create a playlist of those videos, play them, and residents would gather around to watch. Due to safe distancing measures, a group consists of two to three residents. At any one time, there are a few of these groups using the tablets.
INSIDE: How much time do the residents typically spend with these devices?
Neela: They can spend on average of 2 to 3 hours on the smart tablets, especially after dinner time. Residents may start to feel sleepy but will stay up to finish a programme. They will only head to bed once the programme ends or the battery runs out.
INSIDE: How do the smart tablets improve residents' quality of life?
Neela: We have had to close off the lounge to visitors, including our residents' family members. The tablets have been useful in helping our residents stay connected with their loved ones through video calls. Not only are they happy to see familiar faces, they will also ask us about the technology and marvel at being able to see themselves on the screen.
In addition, the tablets help to stimulate our residents' cognitive communication and senses, which can deteriorate due to dementia. For example, when they watch cooking programmes, they will talk about how many family members they cooked for. When they watch travel programmes, they are able to identify places such as Taiwan, Vietnam, and Cambodia.
INSIDE: Why is it important for the residents to stay connected and engaged?
Neela: This is to keep them from feeling lonely, which may develop into depression.
By engaging in activities, they are continually connecting with fellow residents and care staff, steering away from negative thoughts and emotions.