Do care homes have computer WiFi

alankearn

My disabled wife some time in the future may have to go into a Care Home she is very capable at using the internet and I wondered if Care Homes have broadband WiFi available for their residents. One other question is would I as her husband be allowed to take her out on such things as a shopping trip/visit relations/take her out for a meal or anything else that would reduce the probable boredom.

Thanks

missprice

alankearn wrote: »

My disabled wife some time in the future may have to go into a Care Home she is very capable at using the internet and I wondered if Care Homes have broadband WiFi available for their residents. One other question is would I as her husband be allowed to take her out on such things as a shopping trip/visit relations/take her out for a meal or anything else that would reduce the probable boredom.

Thanks

Don't have a clue about internet, try googling your local care homes.

Just looked at website of a local to me care home. It says access to web. But that could well mean one computer between all residents and staff.

And yes you will be most welcome to visit and take your wife out for any reason.so long as she doesn't object.

roddydogs

Some do, some dont obviously the dearer ones will have more chance. All I know of allow residents out, of course!! their not locked up.!
An alternative to Wi Fi if its not available is to get a tablet that has data enabled, or get a "Dongle" that gives access to data.

soolin

alankearn wrote: »

My disabled wife some time in the future may have to go into a Care Home she is very capable at using the internet and I wondered if Care Homes have broadband WiFi available for their residents. One other question is would I as her husband be allowed to take her out on such things as a shopping trip/visit relations/take her out for a meal or anything else that would reduce the probable boredom.

Thanks

I suspect that care homes will have to start providing things like wifi in the future as the generation that uses the internet start to need care. As above though, when doing your research into suitable homes make that part of your checklist. I visited loads before I finally chose one for dad as he was self funding so could go wherever we felt had the best facilities.

As for outings, they aren't prisons! I used to take my dad out shopping as he loved Tesco, unfortunately he had very severe dementia and loved the care home staff probably more than me - and used to start yelling half way round Tesco that I was kidnapping him ! I got used to re assuring people that he really was my dad and he was actually OK.

Errata

Re 'outings' I used to take my stepdad to the local pub for lunch a couple of times a week.

I would guess that all residential care homes have wifi, no reason for them to not enable residents to access it.

onlygoingforward

Most of the care homes i visit seem to have internet access these days, i have been in a couple who have a computer room with accessible computers for residents.

Lots also now have Sky TV in their rooms, smart TVs, etc, we live in small town one of the care homes takes their residents to the local pub for meals out for ice creams etc. As her husband you can take your wife wherever she wants and is able to go there's usually no restrictions unless it would be detrimental to her.

MessyBetty

I work in a care setting and we have wifi, access to computers and support to use them if required. I would suggest that you ask what activities are available daily and what activities will be person centred to your wife's needs. People are rightly demanding to live life to the full in care settings and times have changed thank goodness, we also sport a gym, bistro, hairdressers, library and a fantastic multi purpose room with a large film screen, bar and even a mirror ball!

I would also suggest looking at as many care environments as you can, are the residents happy, engaged, are the staff smiling, what can you smell, when was the last trip out, I could go on as I am so passionate about excellent care.

With regards to you taking your wife out as others have advised of course you can, don't worry you will still be able to care for her. It is not a case of you not having a say you should be encouraged to be involved and supported to do so, and remember nothing is irreversible.

I know when the time comes it will be very difficult for you both to adjust, look and ask for support it is there.

Best wishes to you both.

cattermole

MessyBetty wrote: »

I work in a care setting and we have wifi, access to computers and support to use them if required. I would suggest that you ask what activities are available daily and what activities will be person centred to your wife's needs. People are rightly demanding to live life to the full in care settings and times have changed thank goodness, we also sport a gym, bistro, hairdressers, library and a fantastic multi purpose room with a large film screen, bar and even a mirror ball!

I would also suggest looking at as many care environments as you can, are the residents happy, engaged, are the staff smiling, what can you smell, when was the last trip out, I could go on as I am so passionate about excellent care.

With regards to you taking your wife out as others have advised of course you can, don't worry you will still be able to care for her. It is not a case of you not having a say you should be encouraged to be involved and supported to do so, and remember nothing is irreversible.

I know when the time comes it will be very difficult for you both to adjust, look and ask for support it is there.

Best wishes to you both.

Sounds fab, if only all care homes were like yours where is it? so we can all put our names down

MessyBetty

cattermole wrote: »

Sounds fab, if only all care homes were like yours where is it? so we can all put our names down

I am guessing it would be against forum rules:eek:

It is fab and we have a great time everyday, I hope that one day all care homes will have excellent care and facilities. It is heartbreaking that the press only report abuse in care settings and not the wonderful care that is given by people who really care in most establishments.

One last point it is the quality of care that matters most not the all singing all dancing facilities, if you get both then you must already know where I work;)
Also check out feedback and CQC reports.

alankearn

Thanks to you all for your replys

WhiskyLover

hi,sorry for bumping a bit of an old post but just thought woud give input,having lived in learning disability/complex needs institutional, residential and supported living care since nineteen [thirty now].
wifi included depends on the definition of care home.
if its a registered residential home there is a medium chance of them having wifi for service users,and the quality of the internet often isnt that good at all as so many people are using it.
if its a supported living care home there is nil chance of wifi for service users as it has to be gotten by the service users themselves but they do suggest all chipping in together to use it/pay for it.

its best to avoid getting dongle internet for a connection-had done that before getting plusnet installed,its highly limited in data and very slow and unpredictible.