Bridging the Digital Divide in the Community
Rita and her Alexa
Rita, a woman in her 90s, has always been the heart and soul of her family. Living in Salford, she spent her younger years surrounded by music and the roar of rugby crowds. However, life took a turn when dementia started to steal away her vibrant personality. Compounding her difficulties, Rita is also partially sighted, making daily activities even more challenging.
Rita’s daughter, Christine, witnessed the gradual decline of her mother's ability to engage in the world around her. Television, once a companion, became a frustrating experience for Rita due to her inability to follow the storylines and maintain focus.
Everything changed when the Digital Inclusion - Salford team, through a referral from Age UK, introduced an Alexa device into Rita’s life, thanks to a donation from AbilityNet. Christine, who is tech-savvy and owns an Alexa herself, took the initiative to set up the device for her mother. She programmed it with her own and her sister’s phone numbers, ensuring Rita could easily reach them if needed.
The impact of the Alexa device on Rita's life was immediate. Rita's love for 60s and 70s music, a passion she held dear since her youth, was reignited. Rita's routine transformed. Each morning, she eagerly commands Alexa to play her favourite tunes. The familiar songs bring her so much joy. Rita's mood has improved significantly since receiving the Alexa, and she seems more engaged and lively.
Christine expressed her thanks for the change in her mother’s mood:
"It's really brightened Mum's spirits. As soon as she gets up, Mum asks Alexa to play some music and her home is filled with sounds from the 60s and 70s – morning until night. She’s more animated and cheerful. She even started asking Alexa for updates on rugby matches. It’s made such a positive change. Thank you"
The Alexa device has also strengthened the bond between Rita and her daughters. With their phone numbers programmed into the device, Rita finds it easier to stay connected. The simple voice commands eliminate the frustration she previously felt when trying to use a traditional phone, fostering a sense of independence and connection.
The introduction of the Alexa device has significantly enhanced Rita's quality of life. It has brought music, joy, and a sense of normalcy back into her daily routine. Rita's story is a testament to how technology, when thoughtfully applied, can make a profound difference in the lives of those who need it most. Thank you to AbilityNet for their generous donation and ongoing commitment to tackling digital exclusion.
Are you a local business that would like to help fix the digital divide?
Are you a local business that would like to pledge your support as egis-group did? If so please visit our website for more details as to how you can help fix the digital divide in Salford Empowering people through digital inclusion
Salford’s Digital Inclusion team would like to thank egis-group for their kind donation and share the impact this has had.
Are you a resident that would like support?
If you are a Salford resident that would like help to get online please contact us via Digital Everyone - Contact Us or call our Spirit of Salford Helpline 0800 952 1000 or you can visit our Gateways
The Digital Help Finder Tool can also signpost you to digital support available in your area.
Stay tuned for more Digital Wins as we celebrate one achievement each month!