Supporting Paula's independence through digital inclusion

Our independent living communities across Nottingham give older residents the independence of living in their own homes but with the added peace of mind of knowing that help is available if needed.

Our Winwood Heights independent living community in Sherwood has 39 one-bed extra-care flats, for residents who need more intensive support. One of these is Paula, who is 69 years old and has cerebral palsy, a condition that affects movement, co-ordination and can make speech difficult. 

As Paula has got older, she’s been unable to get out and about very often and has found it a struggle to communicate effectively with her fellow residents.

Kim Holden, the Activity Co-ordinator for Winwood Heights was determined to do all she could to help her. Knowing how digital inclusion can help to open up a whole world of independence, Kim brought in an iPad for Paula to use.

Kim says, “As an Activity Co-ordinator, it’s my job to encourage and facilitate a range of activities for our residents to enjoy. I really wanted to include Paula, and I thought that being able to use apps on the iPad could help.

“It took a while to convince Paula to give it a go. I started by showing her some games like Mahjong that she can play with her family, and some jigsaws.

“We then moved on to using Google Maps, which Paula has really enjoyed as it means she can see places she hasn’t been able to visit for a long time.

“And she’s also started using the Microsoft Word app, so if people are finding it difficult to understand what she’s saying, she can type it out so they can understand.”

Paula says, “When Kim first showed me the iPad, I wasn’t keen on using it. But thanks to Kim and the time that she’s spent showing me different things I can do on it, it’s opened up a whole new world for me.

“Having cerebral palsy makes controlling my muscle movements a challenge. The iPad touch controls make things a little easier for me and has really helped in making me feel less isolated.

“Some people think that because I have cerebral palsy and struggle with speaking, my mental capacity might also be affected. But that’s not true. I’m as bright as a button and having the ability to type out what I want to say is really helping me communicate with fellow residents and let them know what it is that I’m feeling.

“Kim’s already showed me how to make a video call and I’m looking forward to learning how to use email, so that I can communicate with family and friends in the future.”

Kim continued: “I’m really proud of Paula. For many older people the digital divide can be a real challenge. For Paula to embrace it has been amazing.

“I’m really keen to support independent living residents to use technology. I hope that Paula’s story will be an inspiration to others!”

You can find out more about independent living on our website by clicking here.