FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Indiana's NewsCenter) - Staying in touch can be hard for the elderly who are in assisted living. That's why a local assisted living facility brought in new computers for their residents. They're teaching them how to use everything from e-mail to Skype.
"It's nice to be able to see them when I can't see them everyday," said Shirley Garlati, resident.
"Sometimes a phone call isn't as fun as seeing them face to face," said Emilie Burns, Granddaughter.
"Before I had 2 kids I could come once a week, now I have 2, I've only been one time since I had the second one," said Burns.
Along with video chatting, the residents are learning how to use social networking sites and e-mail. For Norma Bennett a simple e-mail gave her the chance to see her granddaughter getting married.
"They sent me the video, and I haven't been there in about 2 years, so that was better than nothing," said Norma Bennett, resident.
The new computers aren't just for connecting with family. They also have games on them like Chicktionary.
"You know that old saying, if you don't use it you lose it, well we keep our minds working, we are constantly playing our different games like our Wheel of Fortune or our Chicktionary games, we play The Price is Right," said Rachel Fox, activity director, Kingston Residence.
Beginning this new venture was no easy task for the staff. It took some convincing to get the residents started.
"Once you get someone down to try it the first time it goes a lot better from that," said Fox.
The staff made things easier by having large touch screens and setting up e-mail accounts that have fewer options.
"This just kind of simplifies things, that way your still using the technology but it's not as intimidating," said Fox.
So far about 25 of the residents are using the computers. Fox says she hopes more and more continue to join in.
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