Man Gives Out iPads to Elderly Patients

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Category: Human Interest

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. initiate / ɪˈnɪʃ iˌeɪt / (v) – to start something
    Example:

    The school initiated a program that allows students to continue learning from home.


  2. drive / draɪv / (n) – an effort or a program created to achieve a goal
    Example:

    Private organizations started a fundraising drive to help homeless people.


  3. beneficiary / ˌbɛnəˈfɪʃiˌɛri / (n) – a person or an organization that benefits from an initiative
    Example:

    The beneficiaries of the university’s scholarship receive free tuition and housing.


  4. in memory of (someone) / ɪn ˈmɛm ə ri əv / (idiom) – made or done to show love or respect to someone who has died
    Example:

    They set up a charity in memory of the late celebrity.


  5. charitable / ˈtʃær ɪ tə bəl / (adj) – showing acts of kindness
    Example:

    The charitable businessman donated a large amount of money to the poor.


Article

Read the text below.

John Lynch, a man from New Jersey, donated iPads to help elderly patients connect with their families.


Lynch’s father, who was suffering from dementia, passed away in April while admitted to a memory care facility. Strict social distancing measures amid the coronavirus crisis hindered Lynch from visiting his father. Because of this, he was able to say his last farewell only through a video call.


After finding out that some nurses were lending their smartphones to patients to help them keep in touch with their families during the health crisis, Lynch initiated a donation drive for iPads.


Through “Operation Connection: The iPad Project,” Lynch has collected more than 60 iPads. The beneficiaries of the project were Cape May County Medical Center, nursing homes, and other hospitals in the United States. Lynch and his team are currently accepting cash and new or secondhand iPads as donations.


In an interview, Lynch said that he wants to help more families in memory of his father. He said that he and his father often used the video chat app FaceTime, so he knows how important it is for patients to stay connected with loved ones. He added that it was his father who inspired him to be charitable.


A representative from the Cape Regional Health System in New Jersey believes that Lynch’s initiative has been very helpful. He shared that around 40 patients are able to connect with their families each day using the iPads.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

• Do you think people in your country would appreciate a similar initiative? Why or why not?
• Do you think Lynch’s initiative should be a permanent project? Why or why not?

Discussion B

• Do you think communicating using technology is just as good as communicating in person? Why or why not?
• Aside from using technology, how can family members stay connected (e.g. continuing to follow family traditions)? Explain.