Experiential Event Company Launches Product to Tackle Social Isolation

SELFMATIC FOR CARE GIVERS 

Visual experiential event company, The Photo Booth Guys launches new monthly subscription iPad/iPhone -based product to tackle social isolation in Australia’s aged care facilities.

‘We know that two of the best ways to reduce social isolation and loneliness is to introduce activities that encourage communication and encourage the use of new technology. Our aim with the Selfmatic for Caregivers product is to tackle the feelings of social isolation and disconnection, not only for the residents of aged care facilities, but also their family. Many family members are losing sleep, worrying about their vulnerable relatives – we have developed a product that will enable caregivers to capture an image or mini-story of their loved ones in a fun, quick and easy way – giving the family the reassurance they need at this time.’ Steve Bliesner, Creative Director and Founder. The Photo Booth Guys.

After seeking advice from Occupational Therapists and Directors of Aged Care, visual experiential event company, The Photo Booth Guys utilised their skills and technology to develop an iPhone/iPad-based program that will help tackle the problems associated with social isolation and help bring members of the community back together during Covid-19 and beyond. The launch of the new product and service comes as a response to the social distancing regulations now placed on aged care facilities. Some residents may now not be able to see their loved ones for months to come, this can have a negative effect on both physical and mental health.

The Photo Booth Guys have adapted their social product the Selfmatic app system to create Selfmatic for Caregivers. A personalised platform is custom built for each aged care/retirement facility that enables caregivers to capture images and mini-stories of residents and clients that can then be automatically shared with their loved ones via a private and secure gallery.

Selfmatic for Caregivers is a fast, fun and powerful way to bring families and loved ones together, whilst maintaining social distancing practices and complying with infectious disease precautions. The product is designed only to be used by caregivers. Differing from video calling apps in the fact it does not rely on facility staff assisting residents for a lengthy amount of time.

An initial set up fee is required to custom build the platform to the facility, including a complete list of all the residents each with their own personal and secure gallery link. Then a monthly subscription fee based on the number of residents and devices, this fee includes tech support, licensing and relevant program updates. The product can also work as a two-way communication tool – with family members of residents being able to install the Selfmatic program on their Apple devices and send pictures to the same private gallery link.