Homeland connection through tablet technology

When Ms Bongailas was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease six years ago, her son, Martin, decided to retire early to care for her.

Martin supports her with personal care (he even dyes her hair!), and performs all the household tasks. He also finds time to take his mum to bingo, one of her favourite pastimes – leaving him with little time for himself.

Regardless of the strain that the caring role can bring, Martin is adamant about supporting his mum at home.

“Mum had a hard life and I’m determined to continue caring for her at home,” says Mr Bongailas, who takes a break when Mary goes to her weekly overnight respite at Southern Cross Care Macleod Cottage on Saturdays.

It is here where Ms Bongailas and other clients are able to enjoy the convenience of the electronic tablet.

Being from a Maltese background, Ms Bongailas particularly enjoys listening to Maltese songs on the tablet.

When she is worried about not being at church on Sundays, she gets immense satisfaction from staff playing mass on the device. And, at times, when anxiety keeps her awake at night, staff will use the tablet to recite the rosary to comfort her to sleep.

Aged care provider, Southern Cross Care (Vic), started trialling the use of electronic tablets at Southern Cross Care Macleod Cottage since the beginning of last year, reporting remarkable outcomes such as Ms Bongailas.

Each client who attends respite at the cottage has the opportunity to experience the technology.