But thanks to the help of talented and dedicated young computer students she is still in touch with her family.

The Seventh Day Adventist owned Avondale nursing home in Cooranbong where she is a resident has the help of Year 10 students from Avondale High School to help implement the federal government's Broadband For Seniors program.

Kerstin Daff and Ashlee Keleidaveta are two of the several students who once a week donate their time after school two teach basic computer use to the elderly residents.

"We teach them the basics, how to use the net and using email to contact their families," Kerstin said.

The facility's diversional therapist Margaret Manners said having the computers supplied by the government was a boon.

"We have two computers but the real blessing is having the students to help residents use them. To most residents computers are a real mystery but we now have residents using the systems to contact their families in places like America and France," Ms Manners said.