Social interaction is an important aspect of everyday life. It’s important for brain health and overall mental health. For someone living with dementia, it’s important to continue to promote social interaction, even though this social interaction may look a little differently as dementia progresses.
Unfortunately, most areas mandated that residents remain indoors and isolate themselves from others because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The question then becomes how you and those closest to you can keep up a healthy degree of socializing if it is true that socializing is crucial for brain and mental wellness.
Adults in today’s environment typically don’t reside close to their parents as they age. As a result, connectivity is more vital than ever.
Many older adults wish they could visit their kids and grandkids more often, but financial constraints prevent them from doing so.
Video calling is an excellent tool for maintaining relationships with family members when you live far away. Seeing someone through a video call could feel more enjoyable than a phone conversation.
Also, it allows you to keep an eye on your loved one’s well-being and on how they live.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, video calling has become increasingly popular. Apps like Zoom, FaceTime, Skype, Google Duo, and WhatsApp make it possible to have video conversations on mobile devices.
Despite its adverse effects, the pandemic has had one beneficial side effect: a rise in the number of adults who use computers and the internet.
However, it may be difficult for certain people, especially those with dementia or impaired cognition to learn how to use video calling on modern smartphones and laptops.
Consequently, we have seen the rise of user-friendly video calling gadgets that don’t require a high level of technical expertise, making them ideal for communicating with grandparents and other senior loved ones.
Keep reading as we have selected our favorite video-calling devices for people living with MCI and early stage dementia. As always, speak with your doctor or Occupational Therapist for what would be the best option for you or your loved one.
The 5 Best Video Calling Devices For Seniors Living With Dementia
1. GrandPad
The GrandPad is a tablet made with the need for video calls for seniors in mind. The 8-inch screen tablet has 4G LTE connectivity, a charging dock, and a stylus.
The menu’s large text and icons provide easy access to making and receiving video calls. Home Wi-Fi is unnecessary.
You can make phone calls and send voicemails from the GrandPad as well. The weather, several games, and individualized music are a few other features.
If you cannot understand how to operate the tablet, press the “help” button.
It comes preloaded with only the most fundamental apps and services, saving you time and hassle by doing away with unnecessary apps.
This makes the GrandPad an ideal device for seniors who want to maintain social connections.
Features:
- Senior-friendly user interface
- Wireless charging
- Supports Zoom calls
2. ViewClix
The ViewClix is a digital photo album and video calling device designed to help users stay connected with their loved ones. It features a combination of a touchscreen display and built-in camera, allowing users to view and share photos and engage in video calls.
The device is primarily designed for older adults or individuals who may have limited technological experience. It aims to simplify the process of sharing photos and staying in touch with family and friends, especially for those who may be geographically distant.
With ViewClix, users can upload and organize their photo albums, creating a digital collection that can be easily accessed and viewed on the device’s display. It offers a user-friendly interface, allowing individuals to navigate through their photos with ease.
Additionally, ViewClix enables video calls, allowing users to communicate face-to-face with their contacts. This feature is particularly valuable for those who may have difficulty traveling or are living in assisted care facilities.
Overall, ViewClix combines the functionalities of a digital photo album and video calling device, providing a simplified and accessible way for individuals to stay connected and share memories with their loved ones.
Features:
- Wifi
- Video Calls
- Photo Album
3. Facebook Portal Mini
The smallest Portal device is the Portal Mini. Like the others, it is an effective video calling gadget that, thanks to its well-considered speaker design, also delivers surprisingly powerful audio.
It is the tiniest bright display video calls for seniors available and most closely resembles its inspiration, digital photo frames. However, it has many additional capabilities.
Additionally, the Portal Mini is equipped with a 13-megapixel camera with a wide viewing angle (114 degrees) and can therefore capture a large portion of the room.
You may move the top-left privacy shutter to cover the lens and mute the microphones. When this happens, the device’s lights and screen inform you.
Because of its compact size, the Portal Mini may be set up anywhere in the house. The Portal Mini is adaptable and handy in the living area for family calls or the kitchen for recipe research with Alexa.
Features:
- Compact design
- Privacy shutter
- Voice control
4. Amazon Echo Show
It’s no secret that Amazon has expanded into the market for inexpensive video conferencing equipment.
For example, Alexa powers the Amazon Echo Show, so your grandma can make a video call with just her voice if she has trouble using a touch screen.
You may choose from a five or 10-inch screen for your Amazon Echo Show, but the latter is what we think is best for the seniors.
Friends and relatives can only call you if they have an Echo Show or a compatible smartphone with the Alexa app.
The Amazon Echo Show outperforms the competition regarding video calling capabilities. The Amazon Echo Show uses Alexa’s technology to provide your loved ones with up-to-date news, play their favorite TV episodes and movies, and answer their queries.
This video-calling gadget may be better suitable for more tech-savvy grandparents because of its many features.
Features:
- “Drop in” for hands-free usage
- Voice automation
- A lot of functions for tech-savvy seniors
5. Google Nest Hub Max
The Google Nest Hub Max is a screen-equipped gadget that can be controlled using speech for tasks like making video calls, much like Amazon’s Echo Show.
In addition, the product incorporates the Google Duo and Google Meet/Zoom group calling and meeting features.
Because it syncs with digital calendars, it makes it simple for video calls for seniors to jump on a call after receiving an invitation.
Suppose the Google Next Hub Max is to be used by an older person for video calls. In that case, I recommend that all unnecessary features be disabled so that the user is not distracted from the device’s intended purpose.
Features:
- Google Assistant
- 10-inch HD touchscreen
- Built-in speakers
So there you go! High-quality video calling devices for seniors living with dementia.
Please note: This list is helpful for mild cognitive impairment and dementia in its early stages. Some verbal and written guidance on operating these gadgets may be required.
Tips to Follow When Selecting a Video Calling Device For The Seniors
As you browse for a suitable video calling device for seniors, there are a few key considerations.
1. Convenience
When purchasing a video calling gadget for an older person with dementia, there are specific considerations to examine.
You can ask anyone, and they will say they want a gadget that:
- It does not need much effort to operate.
- Has a limited number of controls
- It does not need multiple steps to accomplish its goal.
- It is straightforward and easy to operate.
Considering the gadget’s ease of use is essential as you look for the most delicate video calling equipment for your senior loved ones.
You can’t assume that your senior acquaintance with no interest in technology would understand simply because it makes perfect sense to you.
2. Battery Life
Longer battery life is ideal. It can be really frustrating to own a device that constantly has to be charged.
You should examine the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure that your item has a powerful battery.
In addition, it is essential to know how long a device’s battery lasts between charges, and this information should be included in the product description.
Devices that notify you when the battery is getting low are another handy feature. For example, when the battery reaches about 10% or 20%, this alarm will sound to remind the user to seek a charger.
3. Initial Setup
You need a gadget that can be easily set up.
To use some gadgets, you must:
- Sign up for a new account
- Initiate your settings
- Make selections from the available options.
- Subscription payment options should be added.
- Data transfer from other gadgets
Before buying a gadget, think about how much setup a senior with dementia will want to undertake.
4. Subscription
It would help if you had a subscription or at least an account for many electronic gadgets.
Wi-Fi or a mobile internet connection will be required for nearly all devices.
Consider the sort of gadget that will be most convenient given the available connection and the needs of you or your loved one.
It might be less of a a less hassle for the end user to buy a suitable gadget that works with their existing account if that account is already set up.
5. Size of The Device
Video chatting with a little gadget like a smartphone isn’t appealing to many seniors with dementia. There’s a higher chance of things getting lost in the shuffle, and it isn’t easy to make the finer points.
They might not desire a huge gadget, either. Having a device that can be easily seen and located is key.
6. Price
Video calling gadgets for seniors may be just as expensive as any other modern technology.
When researching video calling devices it is important to keep the cost in mind. However, the high price of these devices may discourage some potential buyers.
Investing hundreds of dollars for a single item is a giant mental leap, even if the money is available, especially for aging loved ones.
When people have had trouble making ends meet in the past, it might not be easy to rationalize spending a substantial amount of money on something that isn’t necessary.
Wrapping It Up
Technology has brought about many changes in the world, one of which is how we connect.
For example, tablets and smartphones like those available today make it much easier to keep in touch with loved ones regardless of the physical distance separating them.
Sadly, older people were not raised with today’s sophisticated technology. As a result, they may have difficulty using most of today’s gadgets.
However, this should not prevent them from continuing to see and communicate with their loved ones who are located in other locations.
The reason for this is that there are now gadgets that allow seniors to take part in video calls. You have a lot of alternatives to pick from, but if you want the best experience, you must go with the absolute best option.
Video calls enable a deeper level of connection and interaction with loved ones. Older adults may now view their family members’ faces and have face-to-face conversations with them rather than merely communicating via text or phone.
Video calls may not take the place of face-to-face interaction completely.
Still, they may help seniors fight feelings of isolation and despair by providing them with a means of staying connected with friends and family.
References
- https://www.agespace.org/tech/video-calling-devices-elderly
- https://anitasangels.com/senior-friendly-devices-make-video-chatting-easy/
- https://www.seniorservicesofamerica.com/blog/how-to-choose-a-video-chat-device-for-seniors
- https://www.dragontouch.com/blog/video-calling-for-seniors
- https://alzheimersprevention.org/video-call-apps-to-help-you-stay-social-from-a-distance/
- https://www.brookdale.com/en/brookdale-life/blogs/2021/stay-connected-with-these-video-call-apps-and-devices.html
- https://www.pocket-lint.com/smart-home/buyers-guides/facebook/149399-facebook-portal-mini-vs-portal-vs-portal-plus-vs-portal-tv
