 Home | Recent News | Clay Center | New Computer System Opens Cyberworld to Seniors 10 Jun 2010 New computer system opens cyberworld to seniors at Presbyterian Manor |  | | Fay Wirt, 92, keeps in touch with her grandkids through a special easy-to-use computer dedicated to resident use at Clay Center Presbyterian Manor. |
CLAY CENTER, Kan. – The Internet provides another way to communicate with far-flung family members, but the technology can be a challenge for seniors. Some have trouble reading the small type on the screen while others may have a difficult time accurately maneuvering the mouse, among other obstacles. Clay Center Presbyterian Manor has found a solution that allows its residents to connect independently with children and grandchildren. PointerWare is an easy-to-use computer system that allows individuals to effortlessly send and receive e-mails and photos as well as browse the World Wide Web and play games. Large fonts and on-screen buttons, and touch-screen and voice capabilities address the challenges faced by seniors. Local Manor leaders learned of the software from their sister community in Sterling whose residents have been using the system for about a year. Clay Center Manor provides the system to its residents at no charge. “This new amenity for our residents was an idea we had come up with prior to our renovation and remodel, and now we are able to provide it,” said Executive Director Mike Derousseau. “We strive for residents to be as independent and vital as possible, and learning new computer applications certainly helps keep the minds sharp while they’re maintaining their relationships with loved ones.” “We know that our residents will successfully use PointerWare independently” said Senior Living Counselor Heather Germann. “We are holding learning sessions every other week and can set up a time for one-on-one instruction at other times. We have five users and believe more will step into the cyberworld as they see how easy it is.” Resident Fay Wirt, 92, was the Manor’s first user. Her loved ones are very good at communicating with e-mail and had sent her messages through an employee’s e-mail account since she moved into the Manor in 2001. Now Wirt is able to e-mail her family from her own account as well as send them voice messages over the computer much like leaving a voicemail on a phone. “I was really scared at first that it would be hard to learn but it isn’t,” said Wirt. “I’ve worked hard all my life and hadn’t taken the time very often to actually play games; now I am learning new things and playing games, too.”
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