Looking for recommendations on FaceTiming device for seniors

[Soccermomm]

So I found one that looks good. It’s called viewclicks. It shows pictures and you can also call them on it.

Has anyone purchased anything like this?

Thank you for any help.

[ahisma]

The Facebook portal is excellent. I don't think you can facetime with it, but you can videochat through facebook, zoom, etc. My inlaws with limited to no tech skills and notable memory loss can use it.

[ang79]

My brother got the Facebook portal for my grandparents. They are very limited in technology skills but they have been able to use it pretty well. Last week when I was chatting with my grandma I think an add popped up or she bumped the screen and a bunch of options came up for Pandora, etc and she didn’t know how to get rid of them, but then she must have touched the right thing because it went away. Other than that, she ha enjoyed using it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[SnuggleBuggles]

I don’t know that one but my IL’s like their Echo Show.


Sent from my iPhone using Baby Bargains (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=87652)

[AnnieW625]

My dad is 70 and uses his iPad. My grandma is 91 and has done some cocktail Zoom parties on her really old computer. My mom (68) who doesn’t like using the iPad much even figured out how to do a Zoom meeting with our family when my Dad was visiting my grandma and wasn’t home.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[pinkmomagain]

My mom is almost 80 and uses FT on her ipad no problem.

[hwin708]

I think an iPad is the easiest to use for a senior. Put it in a charging stand, remove the screen lock, remove extra apps, make the icon and text size large, and set up Facetime by calling their FT contacts so when they open the app, those names will all be there. You can even disable sleep mode, so it will stay on all the time. So all a senior has to do is touch the FaceTime button then touch the name. You can also hook it up to their hearing aid, and it will automatically stream the audio there. And you can show them how to say "Her Siri, Facetime" if you think verbal cues would be better for them.

I also really like the Echo Show for video calls, but it is only to people with the Alexa app or another Show.

[klwa]

My dad is 76 (as of last week). He Facetimes with the relatives who have Apple products and Zooms with those of us who don't using his iPhone. It took a bit to get all of that worked out, but it's worked well for us. I've considered getting him something bigger (tablet, etc) but he cancelled his internet service ten years ago, so everything he does is on data unless he's at my brother's house. (They're ALMOST close enough to have brother's wifi extend to my dad's house. And the whole cancelling internet service... *sigh* Let's just say he's stubborn.)

[Soccermomm]

Hi. Thanks everyone for the info. We decided to go with the view clix one. My mom is 86 and has dementia. She has never been able to do the smart phones, and now that we are seeing a decline, we wanted to do as simple as possible for her. Looks like this one is it. She doesnt have to touch anything for us to video chat with us.

[NCGrandma]

Hi. Thanks everyone for the info. We decided to go with the view clix one. My mom is 86 and has dementia. She has never been able to do the smart phones, and now that we are seeing a decline, we wanted to do as simple as possible for her. Looks like this one is it. She doesnt have to touch anything for us to video chat with us.

After you’ve had some experience using it, please report back. This question comes up from time to time, and most people recommend using iPads and the like. It would be good to know about a simpler option for situations where it is appropriate.


Sent from my iPad using Baby Bargains (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=87652)

[bisous]

Has anyone ever heard of the Grandpad? Or Grampad? I heard about it in a podcast somewhere. I actually don't even know how it is spelled. It is basically an ipad all set up for an older person. I think it comes with a data plan and some tech support. But honestly I have personal experience. It sounded like a good idea to help older people stay connected better.

[jgenie]

Has anyone ever heard of the Grandpad? Or Grampad? I heard about it in a podcast somewhere. I actually don't even know how it is spelled. It is basically an ipad all set up for an older person. I think it comes with a data plan and some tech support. But honestly I have personal experience. It sounded like a good idea to help older people stay connected better.

I have heard of a similar product and heard they were a bad idea. Basically a marked up iPad with little wiggle room to change use as needed.


Sent from my iPhone using Baby Bargains (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=87652)

[NCGrandma]

I have heard of a similar product and heard they were a bad idea. Basically a marked up iPad with little wiggle room to change use as needed.


Sent from my iPhone using Baby Bargains (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=87652)

I think a number of the "customized for old people" computers and tablets are basically a scam. The cost includes "monthly support" at a rather high cost, and the devices are so locked down that the company's own support people are the only ones who can troubleshoot or fix anything. Several of my CCRC neighbors have had those, and have spent lots of $$ but they get frustrated that no one locally (either knowledgeable neighbors or IT staff) can help them at all.


Sent from my iPad using Baby Bargains (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=87652)

[Soccermomm]

Will do!




After you’ve had some experience using it, please report back. This question comes up from time to time, and most people recommend using iPads and the like. It would be good to know about a simpler option for situations where it is appropriate.


Sent from my iPad using Baby Bargains (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=87652)

[KpbS]

Very helpful thread, thank you.

Reminds me of this SNL skit which is so very funny.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=YvT_gqs5ETk

[SnuggleBuggles]

Very helpful thread, thank you.

Reminds me of this SNL skit which is so very funny.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=YvT_gqs5ETk

That one kills me everytime! It's one of my current favorites. :rotflmao: