Genova Technologies Donates Computers to Local Care Facilities in Need Amid Coronavirus Shutdowns

In the wake of COVID-19, residents living in nursing homes and care facilities are struggling to connect with family and friends from a lack of technology. As a company, Genova believes it is important to do its part in making a positive impact in the world, and as a technology company, they saw an opportunity to help some of the community’s most isolated and vulnerable members.

 Genova was able to donate laptops to local care facilities including Keystone, Willow Gardens, Briarwood, and MeadowView.  “Facilities need these computers so residents can video chat with their loved ones”, said Genova employee, Donna Sun. Due to the outbreak, care facilities are no longer allowing visitors, leaving residents to rely on a limited supply of technology to communicate with the outside world.

Many local nursing homes only have one computer for residents to share, which limits the resident’s access to reaching their families. Additionally, few residents have cell phones to call families, making communal technology vitally important, “Many residents inside do not have phones or access to any other means of communicating with their loved ones on the outside. The laptops will allow the staff at these facilities to help members communicate with their families”, said Genova employee, Jamie Rogers.

As many can relate, being isolated at home can be lonely and filled with anxiety. Residents at care facilities are even further isolated and need support to uplift their mental well-being. Dawn Ainger, CEO of Genova, recognizes the impact and hardships presented by the pandemic, “The COVID pandemic is an extraordinary time in our lives, and moments like this places risk on basic needs, including social interaction. As a local business, we have a longstanding commitment to supporting our community in times of need.”

Genova was able to check in with Willow Gardens after receiving the laptops and spoke with Jody Kujath, Activity Director and Deb Larson, LPN, who expressed the importance for family connection with their residents. Kujath says, “The residents are hanging in there with us, it’s been a trying time. It’s not only hard that they can’t see their families, but they can’t see their friends inside either that they would normally eat with or play games with.”

Larson points out phone calls and video conferences are not just important for the resident, “This is also for family members to see that their loved ones are doing well, it’s hard on both sides of it.”

Jody and Deb expressed gratitude for their residents and also stated that this trying time has brought out good in humanity as companies like Genova make donations. In an unprecedented world of uncertainty, Genova hopes these laptops can bring some joy to the residents and peace to their families as the world-wide lockdown sustains.