Five low-tech ways to connect virtually with your senior parents

Finding low-tech ways to connect virtually with your senior parents is positive for you and for them. The coronavirus pandemic and social distancing leaves fragile elderly citizens more isolated than ever. Isolation is even harder for those with complex medical needs, memory issues, or decreased physical/mental abilities.

Brighten the day for your loved ones by connecting frequently (daily or twice a day). To reduce isolation and help your elderly parents stay connected, consider these low-tech ways to connect virtually.

Please note that some of the links below are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you decide to make a purchase after clicking through the link. I recommend products that I have personally found useful and encourage you to only purchase products that achieve your goals.

1. Make sure your parent has a phone they can easily manage

A couple of years ago my dad could easily navigate his flip phone. But, over the past two years, dad became more and more frustrated navigating his phone.

As your parent’s needs change, they may need a simpler phone. I bought dad a Jitterbug flip phone, designed specifically for seniors. This phone has good volume controls, larger numbers and simple yes/no menu buttons.

Now is probably not the time to introduce new technology. But, if your parent is comfortable with the features, consider a Jitterbug smart phone.

2. Connect with video calls on a phone or tablet

Video chats are much more personable than an audio call. Since I’ve been doing video calls with my parents, they ask a lot more questions. For instance, if mom sees a picture behind me, she asks to see it more closely.

If your parents are comfortable with smart phones or tablets, you have lots of options for video calls or chats. Depending on the brand you use, popular video options include: Apple’s Facetime, Facebook Messenger, Google Duo, Skype, Google Hangouts, and Snapchat.

3. Create a family network on a tablet designed for seniors.

I opted for a Grandpad for my parents who are techno-challenged. (To receive a $10 credit on your first invoice, contact me about the Refer a Friend program). This simplified tablet helps your parents:

• Easily access a family network (phone calls, video chats)
• See photos family members have loaded and watch on-screen slide show
• Safely access the internet, an encyclopedia and a dictionary
• Play games
• Listen to music

And, you can customize the whole experience from the app on your phone or tablet.

4. Help your parent(s) journal memories

Send your parents a blank journal or provide them with a more structured journal. My parents appreciate the prompts in the Conversations with My Mother and Conversations with My Dad journals.

If they’re comfortable writing themselves, you can send the journals directly to them to fill in. Having samples of their handwriting is wonderful but not always practical. If they’d rather have you do the writing, simply keep the journals and jot down their memories for them.

5. Record your parents sharing stories

You can easily audio or video record your parents sharing stories as you have conversations with them. If you haven’t already, see if this recording function is available on your particular apps. Or, set up a camera or another phone to record your parents interacting with you on the screen of your digital device. Here are a few sharing prompts:

• Ask your parents to share favorite memories of growing up, raising kids, or making a difference in their world.
• Encourage them to reflect on accomplishments, relationships and meaningful moments.
• Have them share messages and encouragement to individual family members.

These five low-tech ways to connect virtually with your senior parents can bring a smile to their faces. By connecting, you reassure your parents that they are important to you, preserve precious memories, and reduce anxiety.

A blessing for you

May your relationships with your parents be healed in this new phase of life. May you bring comfort and peace to every interaction. And may you find joy and love in each new day serving your parents.