Today is International Day of Older Persons, an opportunity to celebrate the older people in our lives and recognise their significant contributions to our communities.

The theme this year is ‘Digital Equity for All Ages’ – a timely reminder of the importance of digital inclusion for older people, while also challenging the stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination that can sometimes occur in our increasingly digitalised world.

Many aged care providers like Juniper have successfully embraced the flexibility of technology to improve the way staff partner with residents to deliver personalised care.

A successful initiative called ‘Care on the Go’ improved Wi-Fi connectivity to all Juniper residential homes and equipped care teams with mobile devices.

Care on the Go has allowed carers and lifestyle coordinators to engage with residents wherever they are most comfortable. Staff have greater flexibility and more time to work collaboratively with residents when discussing and recording their care needs and personal interests while upholding the security and privacy of personal information.

Importantly, residents can see their own information and engage with staff on matters regarding their own health, wellbeing and personal desires.

“Resident information used to be typed into a desktop computer, often copied from handwritten notes,” said Juniper’s Information, Communications & Technology Manager Dan Beeston.

“With Care on the Go, staff are no longer tied to a desk and can spend more time with residents, developing stronger relationships and doing what they do best.”

Many Juniper residents are now using technology as part of their daily lives, helping them to stay connected to their world. Wi-Fi services enable convenient access to online communication with family and friends, as well as the option to purchase subscriptions to streaming services of their choice such as Netflix, Stan or Foxtel.

One resident uses the Google search on a tablet to experience his love of painting in a new innovative way.

“I Google different places and landscapes to paint. Technology is great and I’m learning a little bit more every day,” he said.