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Are there any inexpensive touch screen devices that can host a zoom meeting for an elderly person?I am thinking along the lines of a used laptop or something that could go in her room and would be easy for her to use for a meeting.Thank you.

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Do you mean a meeting with one other person (you?) or actual group meetings? If it's just person-to-person, you don't need Zoom; just FaceTime.
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Reply to Igloocar
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We were looking for a tech device for our mom that was simple to use, no spam calls and could support video calls, and landed on the Grandpad mentioned above. We went directly through the Grandpad company website. Your mom can use it to call, text or video call any of the contacts you set up on the phone. It's touchscreen, and she can also use a stylus to operate. It also has games, articles to read, links to websites (that you control), photos, and more. Good luck!
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Reply to Alwayshelp
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A notebook size computer is a good option b/c it is bigger than a phone or tablet but smaller and lighter than a laptop. Windows and Apple both sell refurbished products. Keep in mind a refurbished product may not be able to be upgraded when support runs out for the current version of its Operating System, but you can buy a newer refurbished device in a year or two if you need to.
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Reply to RedVanAnnie
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I am not paid for this recommendation in any way. go to Consumer Cellular.com and check out their GrandPad. It's affordable, you control it and has many features for your loved one to use but very simple. It worked great for my mom.
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dawnatella Sep 1, 2024
Yes! We love Consumer Cellular because you can always get a live, knowledgeable and helpful person in customer service.

Zoom or FaceTime is great.

I taught my mom to do FaceTime remotely during the Pandemic. She did great!

it was a way for us to have virtual coffee together everyday.

she liked it so much she insisted it continue after Covid.

Any tablet should work fine because the screen is bigger than a phone.
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A cell phone or tablet
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freqflyer Sep 1, 2024
Sample, as people get older using modern devices like a cellphone isn't easy due to age related hand tremors, and eye sight issues. I know I ditched my cellphone because of those reasons.
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Tech is very difficult for elders who didn't grow up with it.
As you listed this under cognitive decline I think you have an added layer of knowledge as to why this may not work out for you. I am 82; my partner is 84. We won't be "zooming". You may want to not waste a whole lot of money on the machinery if it isn't going to be used.
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freqflyer Sep 1, 2024
AlveDeer, same here with us, no zooming. Not about to spend money for a computer monitor that has a camera, and actually I really don't want to see myself on camera like that. I've seen myself on a cellphone camera... eek !! it made me look years older.
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The Grandpad is amazing. It has a fairly expensive monthly fee but the pad is geared for the elderly, simple to use, and also has options for photos, games, music and internet. Only registered callers can use it, so no spam calls.
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Reply to DJBeach
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My neighbor is 83.

She has an Echo Show.

Every morning, her daughter drops in, and they "have coffee together".

Neighbor doesn't have to push any buttons, give permission, etc.

SUPER easy for her.
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Reply to cxmoody
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Your Mom is not capable of doing Zoom. A staff member would need to set it up and there is no guarantee that they will be available to help Mom. I would go with the echo.
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Reply to JoAnn29
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Used older laptops are a dime a dozen, and pretty much anything with a built in mic and camera can run Zoom.
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Reply to ZippyZee
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We use Zoom for business and it isn't a walk in the park. She will need someone to remember the meeting time, to open the meeting, and deal with any tech issues.

Why not just FaceTime her on her laptop or tablet? Still, a staff member will have to help set that up but it'll be easier than Zoom.

Your profile says she has ALZ and is getting more confused and having memory issues. Trying to set her up with any technology that requires *any* participation at her end won't be very fruitful.
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Reply to Geaton777
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Look into the Amazon Echo Show. You can do "drop in" video calls, and your mom doesn't have to figure out how to click links, open Zoom, etc.

The Echo Show can do other things like play music, make lists, set reminders, and answer repeated questions such as what time is it, what's the weather, etc.

https://alzheimersweekly.com/echo-show-drop-in-on-people-with/
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Reply to Dogwood63
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graygrammie Sep 1, 2024
That looks amazing! I was going to suggest a Chromebook but my husband has difficulty navigating it and he was always tech savvy. This looks like a great solution.
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