Library Service Support for Care Homes and Family Carers
Digital Support
Would you like to set up video calls between care home residents and their family members, but require some support due to a lack of technology or digital skills? West Sussex Library Service is looking for care homes to take part in their ‘Care Homes Virtual Visits’ project.
Furthermore, Library Digital Volunteers have been helping people over the phone with basic, one-off IT tasks, for up to an hour at a time. If you need support with something, such as setting up an iPad, using email, sending photos to friends, transferring files between devices, or staying safe online, the library service can connect you with a digital volunteer.
For more information about Virtual Visits or digital support, phone the Remote Digital Support Team on 0330 222 3455 or email library.digital.support@westsussex.gov.uk.
Alternatively, have a look online at the Digital Support web page for lots of advice and guidance.
Resources for Care Homes
The library service has put together lots of information and resources that might be useful for care homes. If you are looking for ideas and activities for residents, including online crosswords, quizzes, photos, music reminiscence, physical activities and much more, check out the Resources for Care Homes page.
Melody for the Mind and Reminiscence
Singing and reminiscence is great for everyone, and particularly so for people living with dementia, their carers, families and friends. Library staff have recorded full-length singing sessions for you to enjoy at home and there are lots of individual songs to sing along with too. Online Reminiscence sessions from the library service include themes of Baking, Gardening, Make Do and Mend, the 1960s and World War Two.
In addition, the library Reminiscence Collection consists of 200 packs of objects, music CDs, books, photographs, jigsaws and replica items on different themes. These packs can be borrowed by anyone, including care homes and groups – just get in touch with your local library.
Wellbeing and Bereavement Support
While we live with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to look after our wellbeing. There are many organisations offering helpful support and advice, which the library service has pulled together on its Wellbeing Resources page. Explore websites for adults and children, ideas for improving wellbeing, County Council support networks, and collections of titles about mental health, dementia and long-term conditions, recommended by The Reading Agency.
This year, more than ever, it is likely that we have all been touched by loss in some way, and it is a very difficult time for many people in our communities. The library service’s new Bereavement Support page has been put together with this in mind. Along with the practical information a person may need in the initial days and weeks following a loss, you will find sources of help to support the grieving process - now and in the future.
