WLAN for seniors: nursing homes in digital deficit!

WLAN for seniors: nursing homes in digital deficit!

In an alarming call, the Federal Working Group of Senior Corporation has pointed out the terrifying reality: Many old people's and nursing homes in Germany have no access to the Internet! Association chairwoman Regina Görner has been calling for WiFi to be available in all homes since 2017. "It is becoming increasingly embarrassing that it is still not implemented," she explains to the German Press Agency. Bedding and mobility -limited people who have the right to stay in contact with their families and friends are particularly affected.

An investigation of the Verivox comparison portal shows that there are no legal regulations for internet connections in old and forth and nursing homes in four federal states, including the populated Bavarians and Baden-Württemberg. This means that the digital participation of older and needy people becomes a real lottery game, as telecommunications expert Jörg Schamberg notes. "Faringly little has happened since 2021," he says, warning of the drastic consequences: "Without a nationwide obligation to provide internet care, the social participation of older people remains radically circumcised."

slow progress and lack of commitments

Although something has changed since Corona pandemic, progress remains sluggish. The Federal Working Group has no nationwide figures on how many homes have to do without WLAN supply. Görner emphasizes that a legal obligation is not aimed at for the time being, but suggests that funding commitments to homes could be linked to the condition of ensuring WLAN supply. Time is urged, because the digital isolation of the older generation is a topic that can no longer be ignored!