Council improves digital connectivity at residential homes and sheltered housing schemes

Carmarthenshire County Council has recently funded a programme of work to enhance digital connectivity in the county’s 20 sheltered housing schemes and 7 residential homes.

The £1.2 million investment has enabled the installation of superfast fibre circuits at each site, accompanied by internal and external wi-fi networks to provide fast internet access to residents, staff and visitors.

The project has made a significant difference to residents living in Council owned residential homes and sheltered housing schemes, enabling them to contact family and friends more easily and at any time. It also provides opportunities for more diverse and flexible activities to take place within the homes. 

Awel Tywi Residential Home in Ffairfach, Llandeilo was one of the first to experience the benefits of the upgrades.

Steven Bird, Manager of Awel Tywi said:

The transformation for both staff and residents has been remarkable. Previously, they were unable to use FaceTime to communicate with and see relatives due to the poor connection. Broadband access was slow and only available in certain rooms.

Now, connectivity spans the entire building and even extends into the garden! Everyone can simultaneously use the access without constraints, accessing laptops, smartphones, Netflix, WhatsApp, and all the modern digital conveniences we now rely on."

Cllr Linda Davies Evans, Cabinet Member for Homes said:

I’m delighted that the Council’s investment has enabled residents in our Sheltered Housing schemes and Residential Homes to stay better connected with family and friends as well as enabling them to take advantage of the many benefits of this technology in their day to day lives.”

Cllr Jane Tremlett, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Services said:

The upgrades to digital connectivity in every Council-owned Residential Home and Sheltered Housing scheme in Carmarthenshire will transform the lives of residents and encourage them to make use of technology.”