Ask HN: What is the most user friendly videocall setup for old (age 95) people? | Hacker News Reader

Ask HN: What is the most user friendly videocall setup for old (age 95) people?

5 pointstijmentiming3 comments

Because of COVID-19 measurements my grandma (95) cannot have any visitors in her nursing home since a few days. She also cannot meet her friends downstairs for coffee or play some rummikub. So she feels quite lonely. Luckily we can still call her and send her postcards, but that's just it. She never used Skype or any computer before, so we are not sure if we can teach her to use Skype on a tablet either. Anybody have experience with teaching a senior how to use Skype? And are there tablets out there that have accessibility features like bright light flashing when an incoming call comes in? And is very loud in volume? Her ears are not the best any more.

A permanent open connection is not preferred :-). Just something with a TV and a large button would be the best.

Any suggestions or experiences are welcome! Thanks

Easiest solution is something like an iPad with FaceTime. Only put in the few contacts she needs and clear off one of the screens till the only thing on it is FaceTime and she can push it and push the persons name to call them. And if she gets a call, just push green to answer.

I know FaceTime isn't perfect, and iPad's aren't cheap, but it is easier then a computer setup and all the potential things that can happen there. Skype, GoToMeeting, Zoom etc are all way to complex for what you want to do IMO.

Might be able to do something similar with an Android tablet and Google Duo, but I'd probably say iPad with FaceTime is easier. This has been my goto solution for a few elderly people I have helped with similar things where they wanted to be able to talk too the grandkids etc.

Question: Does she use email?

From what I've used:

GoToMeeting: - Pro: doesn't need install, can work in browser

Slack: - Pro: Easy to sign up and login to desktop app, video calls are easy to use IMO.

I think join.me is also easy to use

She never used a computer at all

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