Elders get new tech
Gwich'in groups team up to provide new TVs at Inuvik Regional Hospital
Stewart Burnett
Northern News Services
Thursday, December 15, 2016
INUVIK
Two new televisions at the long-term care centre at the Inuvik Regional Hospital are going a long way toward improving residents' stay.
Residents are enjoying their new TVs courtesy of the Nihtat Gwich'in Council and the Gwich'in Tribal Council. Hospital staff gathered for this photo. From left to right, back row are Charmane Elanik, Michael Leonido and Tara White; in the front row are Evelyn Sorensen, Trudey Deveau, Karra Dillon, Jenette White and Nihtat Gwich'in Council president Jozef Carnogursky. - Stewart Burnett/NNSL photo
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"The elders love it," said Tara White, manager of continuing care.
"The TVs we had here previously had been donated from people's homes years and years ago. The elders have actually been able to enjoy (the new TVs) and they can actually see it. Before, you had to be right in front of it to be able to see it."
The 60-inch smart televisions came as early Christmas gifts from the Nihtat Gwich'in Council and the Gwich'in Tribal Council. The two organizations each purchased a TV to donate to the facility.
"We happened to be in here when we noticed some of the old technology, including those big, cube TVs," said NGC president Jozef Carnogursky.
"We just thought it might be a good idea to provide some TVs that would allow our elders a chance to utilize the new technology that's available."
In addition to regular programming, the TVs offer the ability to watch YouTube, run slideshows and display presentations from USB sticks.
Carnogursky said a lot of the elders enjoy past programming shows from the region's history and they would appreciate being able to watch and recognize some old friends.
White said the wall-mounted TVs are even safer than the old ones, which presented something of a fall hazard.
The facility raised a fair amount of money in the last month and will be providing Christmas presents to the residents. Staff also host an elders Christmas party for the longterm care and elders day program groups.
Carnogursky hopes the giving season can continue in Inuvik.
"We're entering the season and it's time to give, so hopefully this little donation we give will be able to encourage others to give as well during the season," he said.
