New ‘Digital Companions’ initiative will help older people get online
Digital Companions are people who help an elderly friend, family
member or neighbour to get online. The scheme harnesses the good
will and skills of people who are happy using the internet, and
encourages them to buddy up with someone who isn’t.
The problem
As the rapid digital transformation of services continues across
Wales, there is a risk that those who could most benefit from the
digital health revolution are those that are left behind.
In Wales, 60% of people aged over 75 are not regular internet
users. Only 49% of pensioners living on their own have internet
access. Often this will make it difficult for them to keep in touch
with friends and family, making them feel more lonely and isolated.
As more and more services move online, they might find it harder to
find information or get access to those services.
How Digital Companions will help
A Digital Companion doesn’t need to be a technical wizard. It’s
more important to be patient, caring and a good listener.
The scheme’s approach has built in flexibility to suit a variety
of circumstances facing people who are offline. One possible
approach, for example, could be:
1. Organisations which support people living at home identify
customers who are not online.
2. The organisation will look at that customer’s close network
of family and friends to find someone who could be their Digital
Companion.
3. The Companion will be given an easy-to-follow guide to help
them support their friend/relative, including advice on how to get
started and what to expect.
4. Over a period of several months, the Digital Companion finds
out what their friend/relative might like to use the internet for,
and gradually helps them to experience what the web has to
offer.
If you work for an organisation which helps older people in
their own homes, and would like Digital Communities Wales to help
you deliver a Digital Companions scheme, visit the Digital Communities Wales website to find out
more and get in touch.