What’s the Easiest Video Calling Device for Seniors?

It takes multiple steps just to make a call.

The screen is too small to see, and your loved one can't remember how to adjust the volume.

Navigating the complexities of modern technology can be challenging for the elderly, especially if they have physical or cognitive impairments.

Video calling for seniors offers a lifeline between elderly loved ones, family, and friends, providing the precious opportunity to see faces or discreetly check in.

Between apps, smartphones, and tablets, there are lots of options available, but not all video chat devices are created equal, and it's hard to know what to look for.

Let's walk through everything you need to know to find a video calling device for elderly family members that's easy to use and outperforms your expectations!

What are Video Calling Devices for the Elderly?

Video calling devices for the elderly are specialized equipment designed to support simple video communication between senior loved ones and their families.

Unlike traditional smartphones and apps, they offer intuitive features and user-friendly interfaces designed with seniors in mind.

The Benefits of Video Calling for Seniors

Here's how video calling provides invaluable benefits for seniors and their families.

Combat Feelings of Isolation and Loneliness

From physical limitations, health concerns, and transportation issues, many people find it more difficult to maintain an active social life as they get older. Seniors who live alone may also face feelings of loneliness and isolation.

While video calling is not a replacement for in-person interaction, it can help combat these feelings by giving seniors an easy way to connect with friends and family.

Enhanced Communication with Loved Ones

Instead of just a phone call or text, video calling allows seniors to see their loved ones' faces and talk with them directly.

They can be present at school performances, attend important sports events, or read stories to the grandkids right from the comfort of home.

Peace of Mind for Family Members and Caregivers

For family members and caregivers, video calling offers a reassuring glimpse into the well-being of an elderly loved one.

It allows them to check in, provide remote support, and remain actively involved even when they can't be there in person.

What is the Easiest Video Calling Device for Seniors?

At JubileeTV we understand that clunky apps and complicated interfaces aren't just inconvenient; they can also be barriers to connection.

Our system simplifies video calling for seniors by integrating the experience directly into the screen that seniors are already most familiar with: their TV.

By allowing video calls to be made and received directly from their television, seniors can simply press a button on a remote to answer calls.

No navigating through menus or struggling with small touchscreens - just straightforward connectivity at your fingertips. Staying in touch has never been easier!

While you could use a smartphone, tablet, or computer to video call with senior loved ones, each comes with its own challenges.

For example, popular video calling apps like Skype, Google Meet, and Zoom are great for remote workers, but they often require multiple steps to begin a call - something that can be complex for seniors.

Covid shone a light on the complexity of these video calling apps for seniors, particularly people in senior living communities.

Many of us remember having to coordinate with a staff member who could bring in a laptop at the scheduled time to video call grandma. What a fiasco.

JubileeTV eliminates the need for new learning curves by integrating video calling directly into a device seniors are already familiar with - their television.

With a simple interface, Jubilee transforms the largest, loudest screen in the home into an accessible communication hub, allowing seniors to connect with ease.

Are Video Calling Devices Easy to Set Up?

Setting up JubileeTV is a breeze! Simply purchase the JubileeTV Hub to connect to your loved one's TV. All your loved one needs is a WiFi internet connection, a TV with HDMI, and a set-top box or streaming player.

Simply activate your Membership and connect The Hub. Your Membership includes an optional free Virtual Install with a JubileeTV Pro who will guide you through the process and make sure everything is set-up correctly.

Link The App via your smartphone, tablet, or computer, and you're ready to initiate calls with your loved one anytime, from anywhere. JubileeTV allows aging loved ones to effortlessly participate in all the important moments right from the comfort of home.

How to Use a Video Call Device for Seniors

The App and The Hub work together to create a smooth communication experience between you and your loved one. You can start a video call from anywhere, and you or your loved one can add as many family members as you'd like.

Only approved contacts can communicate with your loved one's television, and the account administrator can customize the level of access for each individual contact.

You can also connect JubileeTV to multiple televisions in your loved one's home with a single membership.

When an incoming call pops up on your loved one's TV screen, they simply press a button on their remote control to answer or decline the call.

Using the simple voice-activated remote, they can also easily place outbound video calls to approved contacts right from their TV.

What is the Best Video Calling Device for Somebody with Dementia?

A video calling device for someone living with dementia must be easy to use and not dependent on remembering how to use it or learning how a new device works.

JubileeTV is the best option because it answers the call automatically without requiring any interaction from the person with dementia. Best of all, it's all through a device they're already familiar with - the TV in their living room.

The benefits for seniors with dementia don't end there.

You can send family photos right to the television, and remotely start a photo slideshow. Family photos can help dementia patients reminisce about their lives, which can stimulate their brains and improve their memory function. Photos can also help patients feel like they are still engaged with life, and can provide moments of joy and reflection.

Best of all, with JubileeTV you can remotely manage your loved one's television for them from The App. Put on their favorite shows or play dementia-friendly content.

"I can't tell you the difference this has made in Mom's life: her state of mind, her ability to think of something she wants to watch (an old movie, a news show) and then be able to ask for it and actually have it appear," said JubileeTV customer Eric Luke. "It gives her volition, choice, and lifts her spirits. Her dementia symptoms are remarkably better since we implemented the Jubilee box."

Is There a Video Phone for the Elderly?

Yes, there are video phones specifically designed for the elderly.

However, they often become another gadget that seniors must learn how to use, which can be challenging for seniors already struggling with technology.

These devices typically have touch screens, larger buttons, and simplified interfaces to make navigation easier, but they have a learning curve and can be difficult for seniors with vision or hearing impairments or dexterity challenges.

JubileeTV allows seniors to make calls from the comfort of their living room using a device they're already familiar with, plus a large screen, the loudest speakers, and nothing to remember to charge. It seamlessly blends into any living space. We call that a win-win!

How to Choose the Best Video Calling Device for the Elderly

A good video calling device for seniors should allow for easy incoming and outgoing communication, require little technical knowledge, and offer remote support. Here are several factors to consider:

Remote Support and Easy Communication

Have you ever called your loved one and found they couldn't hear you because their TV volume was off or too low? It's easy to miss adjusting the sound settings! With JubileeTV, you can remotely manage the volume on their TV, ensuring they never miss a word of those important conversations.

JubileeTV also allows seniors to make outbound calls to family members, along with other layers of support and communication, including video and photo sharing. An Activity Feed and reminders offer peace of mind for family without making seniors feel like they're under constant surveillance.

Think gentle nudge rather than pushy shove! JubileeTV is a multi-dimensional platform with robust options for easy communication and care. Whether you want to send a quick message or provide a non-intrusive helping hand, it's all possible with JubileeTV.

Respect for Privacy

Balancing convenience with privacy is a top concern for many seniors and their families.

That's why navigating the landscape of auto-answer video call apps can be tricky. They can be great for emergencies, but many seniors worry about losing autonomy or feeling monitored.

Jubilee skillfully negotiates this with its AutoConnect video calling feature.

The television automatically turns on and alerts the senior with a chime when a call is incoming. A message then prompts them to answer the call. If they don't respond within 15 seconds, the call starts automatically.

But what about the video? Once the call is connected, the family member can tap the "Request Video" button in the Jubilee TV app on their smartphone.

The senior will see a message asking if they want to turn on their camera. If there's no response, the family member can choose to connect automatically.

With the AutoConnect video calling feature, JubileeTV strikes a delicate balance.

It provides the security of quick connections when it's critical while also offering seniors the autonomy to control their interactions if they're not camera-ready. That's crucial for dignity and mental well-being.

JubileeTV vs Other TV-Based Video Calling Solutions

Other solutions like CallGenie and Onscreen offer video calling through your TV, but JubileeTV provides a much smoother experience.

A significant limitation of Onscreen, CallGenie and other video calling solutions are reliance on something called CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) technology. CEC is outdated, which means it could be unreliable and may not function correctly with all TVs. This lack of standardization could mean the senior's TV doesn't respond correctly to commands, or it might result in unexpected behavior like the TV turning on and off unintentionally.

JubileeTV combines several different technologies (like IR, IP, and HDMI CEC commands if you want to get technical). This ensures JubileeTV works seamlessly with the widest range of televisions and devices, regardless of their age or features. Seniors won't have to worry about frustrating glitches, unexpected behaviors or the TV not responding.JubileeTV also respects the senior's privacy. Calls won't start without the senior's permission, giving them time to get ready. Plus, JubileeTV lets seniors make their own calls, so they can reach out to loved ones whenever they want.In short, JubileeTV is designed to be easy to use, reliable, and puts the senior in control, making it a significantly better choice than other options.

User Experience

A good user experience is key when choosing a video calling device that will significantly impact your family's quality of life.

That's why JubileeTV is always improving.

Regular software updates aren't just about fixing bugs or security patches. They are about our dedication to offering you the most up-to-date, user-friendly experience possible.

This is another area where JubileeTV shines!

We're not just in the game; we're continually advancing it. Our customer opinions matter to us, and we actively incorporate feedback into regular updates that improve the system and introduce new features.

This proactive approach ensures you're getting the best from us at all times!

On the other side of the fence, CallGenie's FAQ states that software updates are a rare event. While the product may be functional upfront, is it continuously improving and adapting to the user's needs?

Cost

Lastly, let's talk finances. JubileeTV minimizes your initial investment with a low upfront cost and offers month-to-month and annual subscription plans, providing you with the flexibility to fit your budget and needs.

In the quest for an easy-to-use, continually improving, and budget-friendly video calling device for seniors, JubileeTV stands out as the clear winner.

What's the Best Video Calling Device for Seniors?

If your loved one struggles with technology but values independence, JubileeTV is the best video-calling device for them. With our intuitive interface, easy setup, and ability to provide remote support, JubileeTV empowers your loved one to stay connected easily.

By automatically answering calls and offering seniors control over their interactions, JubileeTV strikes the perfect balance between peace of mind and privacy. Experience the difference and redefine communication with your elderly loved one today!