I'm looking for user-friendly video chat solutions for my elderly parents. My dad has early-stage dementia, and my mom isn't tech-savvy, so they need something super simple. Ideally, I want a setup where they just have to turn it on and tap 'Yes' to accept an incoming video call when I let them know to expect me. I'm not interested in smartphones; I'm thinking more along the lines of a dedicated device that has a screen size similar to a tablet or laptop. We've tried using Zoom on their laptop, but it's just too complicated for them with booting up and managing updates. I remember Meta had a video portal, but it's no longer sold, and I'm not sure how well it fits into their ecosystem. With so many boomers aging, I'm surprised there isn't better tech targeted at them. Any recommendations?
5 Answers
You should check out smart home devices like Google Home or Alexa. They come with screens and have built-in video chat capabilities that are super easy to use. Your parents can just interact with the device without much hassle.
We use Alexa for video chats. You can 'drop in' on them without them needing to answer, which is great. My mom has dementia too, and she can still call us on it—it’s pretty straightforward!
There's a project from a Chassidish Jewish organization that made small tablets for video chats during Covid. They’re really simple and can be turned on or off remotely, which could be ideal for your situation. I can check if they have any devices available.
My girlfriend and I use iPad Minis on a floor stand with FaceTime, and it's been great for us. The audio and video quality are excellent, and it’s super easy to manage—definitely worth considering!
You could also consider using iPads with FaceTime. It's one of the most senior-friendly options available, and you don't need an up-to-date model to use it effectively. Just set it up with a direct call link for easy access!
That sounds perfect! I'll look into getting an Alexa.