CARE HOME workers have paid a moving tribute to staff of a Glasgow tech firm which is helping residents remain connected to loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Staff at Nazareth House in Cardonald say the donation of four new tablet devices will bring ‘love, laughter and hope’ to families.

Stepps-based DVI Technologies, a communications and IT firm, provided the tablets as part of the newly established Tech Device Network, an online initiative set up by Scottish Care and Jennifer Nimmo-Smith from Electric Shores which aims to link donors with local care services.

Nazareth House, a 70-bed care home, requested the tablets to help residents communicate with their families, as some older people with visual impairments were finding it difficult to use smaller phone screens.

Sister Anna Maria, spokesperson for Nazareth House said: “Due to the lockdown our residents cannot have visitors.

“Trying to explain to some residents who are living with dementia that their loved ones are thinking of them every day can be very emotional, not only for our residents but also for our staff. We are offering reassurance to the resident who is asking or looking for their loved one, as we staff feel their pain, anxiety and sense of abandonment.”

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She added: “By connecting our residents to their loved ones via Face Time we can offer reassurance to them that they are always near.

“Seeing them will, I'm sure, bring tears, but these will be overcome with joy. We thank DVI Technologies and the Tech Device Network from deep within our hearts for their very kind gifts.

“Love, laughter and hope is being brought to all of us today and may this continue to be shared to all.”

Stephen Murney, Director of DVI Technologies, said: “DVI has always been delighted to support the work of Scottish Care, but more so in these recent weeks as Covid-19 has had an impact upon their members.”

He added: “I have a deep and personal respect for the work of carers, and coronavirus presents a hugely challenging time for them. With loved ones unable to visit, they’re carrying out their incredible jobs and taking the place of family. It’s been our privilege to help with the Tech Device Network, and I would urge other businesses to help where possible.”

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Becca Young from Scottish Care, one of the co-founders of the Network, added: “We’re very grateful for the generous donation by many kind-hearted individuals and businesses across Scotland such as DVI Technologies and are delighted that we are able to get these devices out into care services.

“The Tech Device Network is a positive opportunity in a difficult time for people to make a difference to the wellbeing of vulnerable citizens, and we’re really pleased that it is growing by the day.

“In order for us to support more people, we’d like to encourage organisations who could donate devices in unused or good condition to the Network to get in touch with us, as we have many more services in the Network who are desperate to receive devices for their residents.”

There is also a JustGiving page for anyone who would like to contribute, with funds going directly towards the purchase of devices for care services. www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/techdevicenetwork.