Residents Use Skype

Cedar Sinai Park Nominated for Using Tech for Good!

Post Date: 11/30/2009

CSP was nominated for this year’s Portland TweetsGiving celebration which recognizes local organizations that are using technology for good.  The nomination recognized CSP’s use of Skype to help residents connect with family and friends across the country.  Cedar Sinai Park’s full nomination can be viewed at the PDXTech4Good website.

Many Rose Schnitzer Manor residents move from another state to be closer to their children.  This often means they’ve had to leave behind several friends and family members.  But RSM residents have found a solution — Skype, the online voice and video communication application.

Residents are using Skype to stay connected with family and friends who are spread out across the country.  The combination of voice and video calling has helped them stay in touch. One resident shares her experience with Skype: “Just the other day, my granddaughters were showing me what they had painted using watercolor pencils.  I was so proud they were following in grandma’s footsteps.  It was almost as good as seeing them in person.”

Each Monday, a group of residents from CSP’s assisted living facility attend an on-campus computer class where they gain lessons on using Skype and other online tools.  The lab is equip with a webcam and a Skype-enabled workstation.  Activities staff provides multi-level support ranging from helping resident set up thier Skype account to teaching basic computer skills.