(Photo supplied)

By Troy Gillard

virtual connections for seniors

Extendicare Michener Hill residents stay connected thanks to donated smart devices

Jun 26, 2020 | 3:07 PM

With seniors being more vulnerable to COVID-19 than any other population, it’s important to support and encourage connectedness during a time of physical distancing. Embracing technology to stay connected has been a challenging adaptation for many.

Best Buy Canada and Extendicare Michener Hill in Red Deer have come together to help make virtual connections for seniors and their loved ones easier.

Through a donation of Google Nest Hub Max Smart Devices from Best Buy Canada and Google, residents and Extendicare Michener Hill team members are now able to help facilitate video calls and share online content more easily.

“COVID-19 has changed so much about our day-to-day lives, and it’s created distance for many families with loved ones living in long-term care. The rules are in place for everyone’s safety, but that doesn’t make them easy,” says Michael Battante, Regional Director, Extendicare.

“It’s so important for our residents and their families to stay connected, and we’re so grateful for this donation from Best Buy. These devices will go a long way in helping us bring families together virtually when we can’t always make it happen in person.”

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Battante adds, “The families in our community have been incredible throughout the pandemic. We can’t thank them enough for their support, and we hope we can help them all feel a little bit closer and more connected until it’s safe to see everyone reunited.