Got aging parents?

[George K]

Can multiple people connect to one device?

IOW, if Mrs. George has the device, can each of our daughters connect? Not necessarily simultaneously, but as an individual visit.

[Mik]

Yes. I'm setting up and testing all the family members today before we install it tomorrow. But only the people you authorize can call in. This all sounds complicated but it is as simple and well designed a piece of technology as I have ever seen. It really supports my view that technology that tries to meet every need doesn't serve any of them well, while a limited scope can perform beautifully.

[George K]

@mik thanks.

Mrs. George would like to "meet" with the kids remotely, but is an utter failure when it comes to zoom, FaceTime, etc. This sounds like an easy solution for her.

[Mik]

She cannot, however, call out on it. But they can visit whenever they like. if there is already one call going another caller will get a busy message.

[George K]

@mik said in Got aging parents?:

She cannot, however, call out on it.

Not a problem. She can pick up the phone, call D2 and say "call me on my gizmo!" and proceed.

[George K]

Talked to the management about it.

We decided that, if someone's going to call and say "I want a video call," it's just as easy for them to call and for her to get her laptop and answer a FaceTime call.

I can certainly see its utility for a lot of people, but for us, it's not worth the $200 for the smaller version, and we don't need another digital photo frame.

[Mik]

We took it to Indianapolis and installed it yesterday. It works very well, although I think it confuses her a bit just yet. She'll get used to it. I know she likes the slideshow.

One problem I had not anticipated - her hearing. She refuses to wear her hearing aids. Everyone else can hear it fine, but she cannot unless you are yelling. Fortunately there is an audio out jack so we can add an external speaker with audio control.

[brenda]

She's fortunate to have a son-in-law willing to do all this. You're a good guy, Mik

[Mik]

Thanks, Brenda. I'm lucky to have had my in-laws. They have been great people and she deserves all the love she gets.

[Loki]

@george-k said in Got aging parents?:

Talked to the management about it.

We decided that, if someone's going to call and say "I want a video call," it's just as easy for them to call and for her to get her laptop and answer a FaceTime call.

I can certainly see its utility for a lot of people, but for us, it's not worth the $200 for the smaller version, and we don't need another digital photo frame.

Agreed. I see this however as a potential game changer in personal care units, memory units and nursing homes.