Technology to be introduced in social homes to tackle loneliness
Minister of Health & Social Development Marlon Penn has highlighted that his ministry is exploring ways to improve interactivity for persons in social homes, particularly seniors who remain in isolated spaces to prevent unwanted illnesses such as COVID-19.
According to Penn, while seniors are in safe spaces, they sometimes become void of regular social interaction and communication with loved ones, which may cause loneliness.
“We’re going to have technology put in the senior citizens homes and the centres to ensure that the persons who are shut in will have an opportunity to interact with their peers around the territory,” Penn said.
“We have all had to adjust to this new normal during COVID 19 and I think it has become a normal way of life now for us in the territory and we need to make sure that our seniors don’t feel lonely in these difficult years,” added Penn who is Chairman of the National Democratic Party (NDP) and the incumbent Eighth District Representative seeking another term in that seat.
Penn did not specify the type of technology that will be used at these social homes.
Meanwhile, the minister described the need for seniors having safe spaces to communicate as a key area of concern, and it is to that end the ministry has also committed to ensuring all community centres around the territory are reconstituted.
He said the aim is to have all these facilities operational within the next House of Assembly.
“We are now working to get the one in District 3 back up and running as Social Development is working on that currently,” Penn stated while speaking at the political launch for the NDP’s candidate for the Third Electoral District, Aaron Parillon.
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Hope he is not referring to those life size sex dolls?
We have to fix the internet infrastructure first
With all we have going on loneliness in social homes is a concern right now?
Marlon you are a F**KING WASTE OF TIME! You spent almost a year as Minister for Health and the incinerator still burns and the Home for the Elderly is in complete shambles. Keep your stupid promises!
All this man does is talk talk talk talk talk! The fact that he had so many years to build his party and prepare for the election vs VIP says it all. You are a nice guy maybe but you are certainly not leadership material I’m sorry. Seems like a man who likes to live on the fence, play it safe and say what he think people want to hear. What the hell does he mean by introducing technology to tackle loneliness? The district reps already gave up all their money that they had to help people so what is he talking about now? Do they now have to apply to social development for technological assistance? Lol
What! Those Seniors know how to use this technology? Get programs to teach them manual things to do. These will help keep their brain cells active and motor functions working. Nonesense!!!
What is Marlon really speaking about? We have so many social ills that are urgent! How about a purpose-built facility for homeless people with mental illnesses!! We have residents that are a danger to themselves and others (residents and visitors alike) who roam free. The police’s hands are tied. The hospital can’t house them. Family members cant handle them. They are just in limbo with no help! there are really urgent issues and this guy is here speaking about technology for loneliness!!! GOSIDDUNG!!!