New Brunswick nursing homes received iPads from the provincial government to help residents stay connected with loved ones.
Social Development Minister Dorothy Shephard said the province is happy to provide those in long-term care with more opportunities to connect with loved ones.
“Being able to connect to friends and family, when visiting in person is not an option, is a key part of preventing isolation and loneliness,” she said.
“This, combined with regular access to a doctor, can promote both physical and mental health.”
The province says the tablets also allow physicians to hold virtual appointments with residents.
In partnership with BrunNet and the Government of New Brunswick, 761 iPads were distributed to 461 adult residential facilities, serving about 7,000 residents.
The tablets cost $602,516. Each facility has been provided one tablet for every 10 residents.
“This partnership was successful in bringing tablets to nursing homes in 2020 as the pandemic grew,” said Shephard.
“Although we are no longer in a pandemic, the goal to connect everyone is still important.”
In May 2020, 489 tablets were provided to nursing homes across the province to help doctors do their rounds and address social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic.