Amana Living explores the Earth

Seniors at several Western Australian Amana Living aged care facilities – including those living with dementia – are becoming ‘armchair travellers’.

The Amana Living residents and clients are globetrotting via online applications such as Google Earth, with a dementia specific day club at Amana Living Bull Creek leading the way.

Amana Living submitted applications for 13 of its facilities to become connected under the federal government’s ‘Broadband for Seniors’ initiative, with nine facilities being successful.

Broadband for Seniors aims to provide older Australians with free access to the Internet, and basic training to help build their confidence in using the technology. Each kiosk includes a computer, table, chairs and router modem. Broadband costs are covered until the end of June 2013.

Six kiosks are up and running at Amana Living sites in Western Australia’s Bull Creek (Lefroy Day Club), Osborne Park (James Brown House), Karrinyup (Moline Hostel), Mosman Park (Dorothy Genders Hostel), Coolbellup (Hale House) and Shenton Park (Riley House).

ICT service provider, CDM Australia, donated many hours to help set up the kiosks and provide initial technical support.

“It is with great pleasure that CDM Australia supported Amana Living’s significant community initiative, enabling senior citizens to become connected and embrace a technology that is capable of changing lives,” Camillo Della Maddalena, CDM managing director, said.

Clients at Amana Living Bull Creek are particularly enjoying their explorations via Google Earth, visiting places they used to live or have never seen before. They have even formed a computer club for sharing ideas and support. Other facilities are now following suit as the Broadband kiosks are rolled out.

“Exploring the world from their armchairs is an enriching experience for our residents and clients,” Amana Living chief executive, Ray Glickman, said.

“The Internet can be a scary place for older people, who haven’t grown up with computer technology at their fingertips, but you’re never too old to learn new tricks and, thanks to the ‘Broadband for Seniors’ program and generous support from CDM Australia, we’re proving it!”