Over 1,000 local senior citizens can now virtually connect with their family and friends with the donated iPads.(Photo: Provided/City of Cincinnati)

[ This story is being provided for free to our readers during the new coronavirus outbreak. Consider supporting local journalism by subscribing to the Enquirer atcincinnati.com/subscribe.]

Twenty local retirement and nursing homes can now provide virtual visits for families while respecting Gov. Mike DeWine's stay-at-home order, officials said.

TCC Gives, a national corporate giving initiative, donated 25 iPads to Greater Cincinnati facilities, most of which are affordable or low-income housing. According to a release from the City of Cincinnati, those facilities house about 1,500 senior citizens.

The iPads were distributed Monday by representatives from the City of Cincinnati and the United Way of Greater Cincinnati.

TCC Gives donated 35 iPads to local retirement homes and nursing homes throughout Cincinnati.(Photo: Provided/City of Cincinnati)

This is a really challenging time for many people, especially the elderly in our community, and were committed to showing up for them quickly, Moira Weir, President/CEO of United Way of Greater Cincinnati, said in the release. Were proud to bring these resources together so people can stay connected to their families."

The City states they received numerous calls of concern from individuals unable to connect with their elderly family members following a March 12 announcement from DeWinethat nursing homes would be closed to visitors during the pandemic. It is believed that the elderly are of the most at-risk to contract the new coronavirus.

The United Way of Greater Cincinnati and the City's Office of Aging and Accessibility responded by partnering with TCC Gives and providing technology for virtual visits.

The iPads were delivered Monday by representatives from the City of Cincinnati and the United Way of Greater Cincinnati.(Photo: Provided/City of Cincinnati)

I am grateful we have compassionate nonprofit leaders in our community who learn of a need and act quickly to meet it, Mayor John Cranley said in the release. Providing technology to connect seniors to their loved ones who they would otherwise have no means to contact speaks volumes about our city. Lets continue to take care of each other.

Little Sisters of the Poor is one of the facilities benefitting from the donation, according to the release. Sarah Steffen, a representative from the home, said technology is "a huge positive for our home during this time."

"It is keeping spirits and smiles up," she said.

The City of Cincinnati's Office of Aging and Accessibilityhas created a list of resources in response to COVID-19. You can find those resources on their website.

[ Get breaking news related to the novel coronavirus by downloading theCincinnati.com app]

Read or Share this story: https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2020/03/25/covid-19-cincinnati-nursing-retirement-homes-receive-ipads-virtual-family-visits/5081936002/

Read the rest here:
Coronavirus in Ohio: Cincinnati nursing, retirement homes receive iPads for virtual visits - The Cincinnati Enquirer