Dear Editor:

I want to take this opportunity to publicly thank the St. Andrews Auxiliary.

Through their generosity, we were able to purchase an iPad for use with the skilled nursing/rehab patients here at the hospital.

As a member of the rehab team, and provider of occupational therapy and activities services to these patients, I had seen the potential for a device like this. I spoke with the Auxiliary and explained the possible ways it would benefit the patients. As a group they supported the idea.

In the short time we have had it, we have enabled a veteran in his 90s to look at pictures and videos of the planes he flew in World War II; a lady with mild dementia was able to access pictures and messages from her family who live far away on Facebook; a very depressed patient near the end of his life enjoyed looking at pictures of dogs like the ones he used to have; and several patients have enjoyed humorous videos on YouTube.

We also have downloaded some applications which will challenge those with cognitive deficits as well as provide entertainment for those whose mobility is limited. We can see that the possibilities are endless, and we look forward to exploring them with our patients.

Thank you again, to the St. Andrews Auxiliary for their generous donation which allows us to improve the patients' experiences on the skilled nursing unit here at the hospital.

Deborah Hidu, COTA/L
Inpatient Rehab Dept.
St. Andrews Hospital