In these difficult and challenging times, it’s not always easy for relatives and friends to visit as often as they might like.

But that’s no reason not to stay in touch on a regular basis! Just email your relative or friend at Grafton Lodge and we will print out your message and make sure they get it. For those residents with poor eyesight, one of our friendly carers will read out the message.

Alternatively, we can organise a WhatsApp video-calling session with friends or family, allowing two-way video communication, which can be a very rewarding way to stay in touch.

Computer and Wireless Broadband facilities
Grafton Lodge is equipped with a sophisticated wireless internet system (WiFi), with several linked devices providing 24 hour wireless internet coverage throughout the building.

We have invested in a large screen laptop and a separate extra-large keyboard with easy-to-read keys, which makes it much easier to type. This means that any of our residents can now use the internet comfortably and conveniently, either with or without the help of a staff or family member.

Our residents are now playing games, sending emails, browsing the web and WhatsApping family and friends in the UK and overseas.

Residents can use the laptop in the comfort of their chair in the Lounge, the Quiet Room, or in the privacy of their bedrooms.

Ideal for grandchildren and great-grandchildren to stay in touch
People are often reluctant to put pen to paper and write a proper letter nowadays, but an email is the perfect 21st century replacement.

Encourage grandchildren and great-grandchildren to send regular, chatty emails. Our residents love to hear what’s going on in their lives.

And, of course, WhatsApp video-calling adds a whole new dimension.

How to email our residents
Just send an email using your usual email program to:

Make sure you include their name in the Subject, eg: ‘Mrs Smith – Message from Alfie’

You should be aware that the contents of your email will not be private, and will be read by our staff in order to determine who it is for, and sometimes to read it out loud for those with poor eyesight. Think of it as a ‘postcard’, rather than a private ‘letter in an envelope’.

Don’t forget to say who it’s from, either!

Not all our residents may wish to respond by email, but of course they can reply by letter or phone if they wish to.

How to WhatsApp our residents
Please call our Managers on 01634 722 621 to make arrangements for a WhatsApp video-calling session. It does require some setting up and staff scheduling, of course, so please give us as much notice as possible. However, if the tablet is available we can usually set up a WhatsApp session with about 15 minutes notice.

Our WhatsApp mobile number is: 07922 486 565

Questions about our WhatsApp and Email Message service
If you have any questions about our WhatsApp and Email Message service, please call our Managers on 01634 722 621.