WHO CARES?

SOCIAL MEDIA FOR THE ELDERLY LAUNCHED

AN INNOVATIVE and easy to use communication tool aimed at tackling the current problems
of isolation and loneliness within the elderly in the UK, has just been launched.
Technology business i-Spy Digital has launched Care Messenger, a simple social
communication system designed specifcally for the elderly which connects them to their
family, friends and even their doctor through their own TV and remote.
Care Messenger has been designed for use by those who are not always confdent with new
technology but spend most their time in front of the TV such as the older generation.
It allows other users to send reminders, photos and messages via an app on their PC,
smartphone or tablet directly to the elderly persons TV. The recipient can then reply back
through their TV remote with a simple choice of responses, if given.
Paul Slaughter, CEO of i-Spy Digital, said: We know from Age UK that isolation within the
elderly is a major issue and Care Messenger is a way of tackling that problem. We live in an
ageing population where almost a quarter of the countrys population will be aged 65 and
over by 2034.
There is a growing need for more technology tailored around helping the elderly tackle
feelings of isolation, we have listened to those needs and created something that can be
used socially but also logically as a tool for doctors to keep in touch with older patients
sending out reminders of appointments or to take medication.
The elderly are very familiar with using their TV remote controls and so the development of
Care Messenger was built around modern and familiar technology so that relatives easily
keep in contact.
Technology expert and ex-Tomorrows World presenter Michael Rodd said: Back in the
1970s all of us on Tomorrows World understood that technology is only valuable if those
who can beneft are confdent about using it.
Now Ive reached an age when I understand only too well that, for older people, Care
Messenger ofers the very real benefts of todays digital world without any need to get
involved in intimidating memory tests like passwords and IDs.
What makes it special is the tricky stuf that keeps the service personal and secure is left to
those best able to handle such things younger relatives, friends and supporters who can
use the best of todays communication technology to let those who they care about share in
their excitement of being alive and help take care of everyones well being.
Britain was recently identifed as the loneliness capital of Europe in a recent survey by the
Ofce for National Statistics.
Alma Caldwell, CEO at Age UK North Tyneside says: We see Care Messenger as being an
excellent way to allow families and carers to communicate with their elderly loved ones and
clients. It is a very exciting product which is very simple to install and use and yet has a
massive impact on elderly people.
Care Messenger is currently being installed into an extra care scheme in Sunderland,
Dovecote Meadow. Victoria Barclay, the regional director from Housing and Care 21 said:
We have almost 100 tenants in our new scheme and we are really pleased with the beneft
that our residents have had from Care Messenger. This is the third elderly community we
have integrated this technology into successfully.
Paul Slaughter adds: With Care Messenger the elderly can be connected to all their family
and friends who will then lessen the burden of isolation. Our aim is to open up a whole new
world of contact and communication for the elderly and especially those people whose family
do not live near them.
The Care Messenger set top box takes minutes to install onto any TV and with it any number
of relatives and friends can send unlimited messages to the recipient. For further information
visit www.caremessenger.co.uk or phone 0191 206 4004.
- ENDS -
Media, for more information contact:
Sally Pearson, Head of PR, Press Ahead:
T: 0191 516 6235 | M: 07860 953 888 | E: sp@pressahead.info
Misba Islam, PR Assistant, Press Ahead:
T: 0191 516 6235 | M: 07517650884
NOTES TO EDITOR:
Link to a short flm about Mary Laidlow, with Michael Rodd, about what Care
Messenger means to her: http://www.vimeo.com/99016664
There are over 5 million adults in the UK cut of from email, messaging and social
media and up to 75% of people who are aged 65 plus are not confdent in using the
internet (source: OFCOM)
The UK has an ageing population and by 2034, 23% of the population will be 65 plus.
Caring for Britains growing elderly population is estimated to cost up to 106 billion
per year and in 2010, around 600,000 people were in full time care in the UK with an
additional 1.7 million regarded as infrm and in need of some support. The capacity
of the countrys care homes will need to increase by 82% over the two decades to
allow us to cope with the change in demographic. (Source: OFCOM)
Britain the Loneliness Capital of Europe (Statistics from the Ofce of National
Statistics)