Nazareth Home residents now using tablet computers

Robert R. Haas, who lives at Nazareth Home, played a game of Word Search on an iPad recently. (Photo Special to The Record by Michael J. Buckman)

New technology isn’t just for kids, and the residents of Nazareth Home prove it.

Residents of the home have been using tablet computers to help “jump-start memory, mobility and social skills” that might have deteriorated through age, Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, according to a news release from Nazareth Home.

“What started out as a conversation with our social services director, Sharon Mattingly, has transformed into an empowering and meaningful program,” said Michael Buckman, Nazareth Home’s development director. “We are extremely excited to be able to provide technology and with clinically inspired (applications) that help our residents be understood.”

According to the release, the iPad tablet computers have “countless applications” and have proven to be a valuable resource for the home’s residents. Julie Minich, the home’s speech language pathologist, said the staff was “extremely grateful for the community support we continue to receive to make sure we have enough iPads for every neighborhood within the home.”

Kim Hobson, Nazareth Home’s Director of Nursing, noted that one resident who had suffered a debilitating stroke was unable to communicate verbally.

“This left her feeling disconnected and isolated,” Hobson said in the release. “Once she began using the iPad she was able to ‘connect’ with her peers and staff, and felt a part of the community. She has even figured out how to use ‘face time’ so she can see her favorite staff members even on their days off.”

Residents of the home’s Memory Care neighborhood have been using the iPads to teach themselves how to play piano and games such as “Wheel of Fortune” and “Jeopardy.”

Nazareth Home is at 2000 Newburg Road.

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