During the COVID-19 pandemic, NHSX is helping care homes to provide ongoing care to residents – by providing iPads and helping to improve internet access.
The iPads will help care home residents to receive ongoing care and stay connected to loved ones throughout periods of reduced physical contact. One worry many people may have for their relatives or people they support in care homes is that they may become isolated from the wider world. They may be reliant on family visits for any contact with anyone beyond the four walls of the care home.
Introducing care homes to technology such as video calls can help care home residents communicate on a more interactive level with friends and family, and contribute to maintaining a sense of connection to their family and wider community.
The iPads will allow staff in care homes in England to:
- Hold video consultations with health and care professionals
- Use NHSmail (a secure NHS internal email service)
- Connect care home residents with loved ones remotely
- Get direct access to any other tools or systems needed to support the care of residents
For care homes without a stable wifi connection throughout their building, they will include a data enabled SIM card with each iPad. The SIM card will be free of charge for 12 months. The iPads are just one of many activities to support care homes and the social care sector with technology and digital tools.
Ongoing work
Before the start of the pandemic, NHSX had already been working to improve access to the internet in care homes and had negotiated a range of connectivity offers to help staff in care homes and their residents to stay connected. Their colleagues in NHS Digital and the health and care sector have also been providing digital and technical advice and guidance to care providers to support care giving.
Which care homes can apply for an iPad?
Care homes that receive some or all of their funding for residential care from the NHS or from a local authority can apply. As there are a limited number of iPads, only care homes that meet the eligibility criteria will receive an iPad.
How to apply for an iPad
To apply click here
Care homes can find out more about the terms of use here.
The deadline for submitting the form is Friday 23rd October 2020.
