In South Lanarkshire, technology is being used in a new way – not just to improve efficiency, but to transform how residents in care homes stay connected, included and supported in their daily lives.
David Walker Gardens Care Home in Rutherglen has become the first in the UK to be fully equipped in every room with LG Smart Chatta TVs, turning televisions into lifelines for video calls and photo sharing. Already, almost 1000 calls and messages have been made with families as far afield as Canada, Dubai and Australia – helping residents share in family events and maintain vital emotional closeness.
In many care settings, older adults can find smartphones and tablets challenging to use, making it harder to stay connected with family and friends. This lack of access can heighten loneliness, reduce confidence and impact mental health.
Recognising this, staff at David Walker Gardens introduced a new, intuitive method of communication that uses something residents already engage with daily – the television – to support simple, direct video calls, photo and video sharing.
This pioneering initiative is being led by South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) in collaboration with the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) and technology partner Care Messenger, supported by funding from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology through the Glasgow City Region 5G Innovation Fund.
Building on early success, it has now been rolled out to all rooms in Meldrum Gardens, McKillop Gardens and will be across the Blantyre LIFE room estate by the end of the month.
Professor Soumen Sengupta, Chief Officer of South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “What sets this project apart is not simply its use of digital tools – but the way it prioritises familiarity, accessibility and dignity. Rather than expecting residents to adapt to technology, the team adapted technology to the needs and habits of residents. This small shift has made a big difference.
“Partnership working has been central to its success – bringing together care staff, digital innovators, researchers, families and the health and social care partnership in a shared commitment to tackle isolation and support more connected, fulfilling lives.
“I want to pay tribute to our external partners whose expertise and innovation have been vital in making this project a reality. Their commitment to collaboration has ensured that we are not only introducing new technology, but truly transforming how care is delivered and experienced.”
Professor George Crooks OBE, Chief Executive Officer of DHI, added: “This initiative clearly demonstrates that user-centred design is the thing that makes the real difference to people; it is never simply about how clever the technology is. South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership deserves credit for seeing the benefits that this service could deliver to their care home residents and fully committing to deploying the solution.”
Andrew Roberston, Intelligence Hub Manager, Glasgow City Region said: “We are delighted to see the roll-out of this pioneering digital inclusion project following the successful pilot funded through the Region’s Innovation Fund. The project is achieving what we set out to do – using technology to improve wellbeing and keep people socially connected, while providing a template and learning for further implementation across the region, Scotland and the wider UK.”
Paul Slaughter, Chief Executive of Care Messenger, said: “Care Messenger’s Chatta TV is a unique way of allowing families and healthcare professionals to message and video call an elderly population that struggles with smartphones and tablets but is familiar and comfortable with the TV. The system is making a dramatic difference to a vulnerable and growing social group who would otherwise be digitally and socially excluded.
“We are delighted to work in partnership with the South Lanarkshire University HSCP and DHI – it is great to see Care Messenger’s Chatta TV so well received and transforming the lives of residents. David Walker Gardens is absolutely first rate in its care provision and we are excited to showcase Chatta there and the other care homes across South Lanarkshire.”
Recent research shows that 94% of elderly residents in care homes do not own or use a smartphone or tablet, with similar rates across sheltered housing and home-based care. This creates a major barrier to digital inclusion. By harnessing the familiarity of the television, the project not only bridges this digital divide but also addresses social exclusion – connecting generations and enriching the lives of older people.
