In the United States, 27% of adults over 60 live alone (pew research). This percentage is higher than in any other nation. Humans need socialization. We survive and thrive through social connections. But unfortunately, many seniors are alone more often as they age, leaving them vulnerable to social isolation, loneliness, and health problems like cognitive decline, stroke, and heart disease.
Why Video Chatting?
Video chatting is a great way to connect with seniors when you can’t be with them in person. However, depending on the age and mental status of your loved one, learning new video-calling technologies may be challenging at best. By using drop-in calling, you can video call your loved ones any time without having to teach (and re-teach) a new technology.
Video Call with Amazon Echo Show
Powered by Alexa and can be set up for drop-in calling with voice activation. Getting the person you want to call set up remotely can be tricky, but once that’s done, the rest is easy. For help getting them going, you can ask their caregivers if they have one. Also, check out these resources:
Meta Portal
The Meta Portal Plus (formally Facebook Portal) is a Facebook product that resembles the Amazon Show. It also functions as a smart speaker with a screen. As a result, users can utilize it to make video calls to others using Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp. In addition, the Smart Camera adjusts to movement, allowing you to communicate with friends and family while moving around the room.
More Considerations
Meta Portal also includes an Alexa functionality, which means you can access the Facebook Messenger service and the majority of Alexa’s skills. In addition, Facebook Portal does not have a monthly cost.
GrandPad
The first tablet designed for people over 75, GrandPad, “addresses usability, security, and connectivity issues” that hinder remote monitoring and telehealth in professional and personal caregiving settings. The GrandPad enables video calls, sharing care-related emails and messages, and multi-party video care conferences between family members. In addition, medical providers and family members can engage remotely with older adults using the company’s secure cloud platform with built-in LTE.
Easy to Use
The tablet is ready to use with preloaded user preferences and contacts. For example, family members can send emails, photos, and comments to the GrandPad. It’s also preloaded with essential apps plus other features such as popular games, customized music, and video chat.
ViewClix Smart Frame
This Smart Frame allows seniors to maintain a constant visual connection with their family and friends. In addition to displaying a high-definition slideshow of photographs, the ViewClix Frame is always prepared to receive a live video call from friends or family.
Check out this link to see how the frames work.
Apple iPad
Lastly, let’s not forget FaceTime and the iPad. FaceTime is arguably the most popular video chatting app. Many have long loved it for its ease of use and wide range of compatibility. The iPad has evolved into an invaluable communication tool and the ideal FaceTime device and is especially well-suited to video calling thanks to its large screen and clear speakers. Equally important, new iPads come with Center Stage, which uses machine learning software to recognize your face and keep you centered in the frame. In addition, Center Stage keeps the camera on you whenever you move during a FaceTime session.
Do you have someone these would work for? Let us know! Want more information like this?
