Cummal Mooar in Ramsey is proving the benefits of using iPads during important therapy for older residents.

The Manx Lottery Trust has provided funding to the residential care home to purchase three iPads which will help the 50 residents and 15 daily users of the day centre in a variety of ways.

The iPads are primarily being used as part of the bibliotherapy sessions, which includes two monthly sessions with the Family Library. During the sessions the participants use books, old adverts and various objects to stimulate discussions about days gone by. The iPads are then used to expand the discussions with more information, songs, videos and links to other topics.

Other uses for the iPads include relaxation, mindfulness and meditation via apps, helping to reduce anxiety, especially for those suffering with dementia. Residents who have family living in other parts of the world can use the technology to keep in touch with their families on a regular basis.

With the iPads blind and visually impaired residents not only get more out of the bibliotherapy sessions but can access videos and listen to readings outside of the sessions.

Later this year one resident will be attending two family weddings virtually thanks to the new technology, making sure she is still included with these happy family celebrations.

Cummal Mooar’s Activities Co-ordinator Louise Logue said: ‘We are so grateful to Manx Lottery Trust for helping us with this project. The bibliotherapy sessions give a great boost to the residents as they reminisce about happy times in their life. The use of the iPads helps the topics to expand and move onto things long-forgotten.

‘The activities I organise are dictated by what the residents want and one of their requests was to feel part of the community. The iPads allow them to keep up-to-date with local news, keep in contact with family, check out any events they can get involved in, and even buy things that they can’t get locally. It really does help them connect to the wider world.’

Lulu Gillow, Manx Lottery Trust Chair, added: ‘We are delighted to have helped the residents and day centre members of Cummal Mooar with the purchase of this technology. The iPads are helping these older members of our community in many aspects of their life and it just goes to show that these technologies aren’t just for the young.’

The scheme is being piloted in Cummal Mooar and is having great success, with residents enjoying the sessions, building their confidence and making new friends. Wi-Fi in the care home is being extended to enable internet connection for residents throughout the whole building.