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I. How We Work in Washington. Based on your preferences, we provide you with information about one or more of our contracted senior living providers ("Participating Communities") and provide your Senior Living Care Information to Participating Communities. The Participating Communities may contact you directly regarding their services. APFM does not endorse or recommend any provider. It is your sole responsibility to select the appropriate care for yourself or your loved one. We work with both you and the Participating Communities in your search. We do not permit our Advisors to have an ownership interest in Participating Communities.
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V. Complaints. Please contact our Family Feedback Line at (866) 584-7340 or ConsumerFeedback@aplaceformom.com to report any complaint. Consumers have many avenues to address a dispute with any referral service company, including the right to file a complaint with the Attorney General's office at: Consumer Protection Division, 800 5th Avenue, Ste. 2000, Seattle, 98104 or 800-551-4636.
VI. No Waiver of Your Rights. APFM does not (and may not) require or even ask consumers seeking senior housing or care services in Washington State to sign waivers of liability for losses of personal property or injury or to sign waivers of any rights established under law.I agree that: A.I authorize A Place For Mom ("APFM") to collect certain personal and contact detail information, as well as relevant health care information about me or from me about the senior family member or relative I am assisting ("Senior Living Care Information"). B.APFM may provide information to me electronically. My electronic signature on agreements and documents has the same effect as if I signed them in ink. C.APFM may send all communications to me electronically via e-mail or by access to an APFM web site. D.If I want a paper copy, I can print a copy of the Disclosures or download the Disclosures for my records. E.This E-Sign Acknowledgement and Authorization applies to these Disclosures and all future Disclosures related to APFM's services, unless I revoke my authorization. You may revoke this authorization in writing at any time (except where we have already disclosed information before receiving your revocation.) This authorization will expire after one year. F.You consent to APFM's reaching out to you using a phone system than can auto-dial numbers (we miss rotary phones, too!), but this consent is not required to use our service.
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I agree. Unless the elder was very proficient with computers before, its going to be very hard. Even if proficient before, it gets difficult with time.
My Mom, who died a few years back, was very proficient on laptop and cell phone, But as her dementia and medical issues set in, it became tough for her to keep up
Now, my dad, age 87, was never great with laptop and email. He wants me to now bring his laptop into assited living, after being 4 months without it. I'm avoiding doing that. He will likely not be able to figure it out, then I become 24/7 "tech support " guy.....
Trust me, your teenager may think they are hot stuff with a computer, but they don't know how it works either. They can do a few things well, but they learned by rote, not by understanding the process. Parents of "helpful" young adults (who mess things up) are my best/repeat customers.
I teach computer literacy to adults, from middle age up through seniors in their 90s. Seniors are absolutely able to learn how to use computers. It all depends on motivation. If there is something they want to do, they can learn how. They just need a reason.
At first, I give an overview of things I like to do, to give them ideas. When I teach, I emphasize that I am showing them what is possible and they don't have to memorize the details. They want to be independent and not a burden, so they learn how to use Google to find their own answers before asking for help.
*** During Covid lockdown, I was able to talk several octogenarians through downloading and installing Skype, We did this Over The Telephone! The trick is that they were willing to Listen. Many younger people can't/won't do that. The biggest obstacle is fear of failure and possibly breaking things. I tell them some of the stupid things I've done, like spill soda on the keyboard, and call tech support because I forgot to make sure the power cord was in tight enough. LOL. That was a real ID-10-T Error (Idiot).
I have them mash the keyboard and play with the mouse. I have an old computer that I open up and let them touch the insides. (Unplug it first) I close it up and show that it still works.
I also teach some computer jargon and jokes to amaze their families. PICNIC is a good one (problem-in-chair, not-in-computer) because you can use it when your kids are complaining about their own computers.
I had one elderly student who was literally shaking during the first class. After the second class, she gave me a big smile and a hug.
*** Blt2024 suggested a children's tablet. That's a good idea too. My local senior center has a tablet class with a simplified tablet that a lot of people like.
I agree with Christine that if an elder cannot find a simple computer they can operate, it isn't worth thinking about. For me, I do very well at 81 as long as there is someone computer savvy in the family to help me when things go South--and they ALWAYS go South. I can plod along until then, so if your senior can do that and you can spend some quality time with him/her on the computer every week, it is well worth keeping them in the 21st century or getting them to make periodic forays into this brave new world. Computers have taught my partner and I some colorful new swear words. And so far we keep plodding along. But I foresee the time coming when I won't have the wherewithall to negotiate the curves. Your loved one has my sympathy.
What are you trying to accomplish with it? Even little preschoolers seem to find tablet icons fairly easy to navigate if it's just for games or videos.
I wonder if a child’s tablet might work? It’s more resistant to abuse (drops, spills ;-) ) than the usual adult version. Maybe try games like coloring and a browser or movies, photos of family…
Also, if you are computer savvy, there are “launcher” apps to change the “skin” of the device so that it has a simpler screen interface, larger fonts etc. (I think they’re called launcher apps because it starts as soon as you turn the phone on.) This is similar to what the senior cell phones have - a basic Android device (for example) with a layer over top to change the confusing, small icons of Text, Call, Photos/camera to nice, colorful, big, friendly buttons with obvious labels.
We set my mom up with a senior phone and she’s all over the place - absolutely hates computers never uses e-mail - makes her younger sister check it - I was impressed that SHE started interacting with the phone as soon as it came in the box. It was not intimidating for some reason.
I hope that sparks some ideas!
(i didn’t check your profile, so if all is lost like these replies seem to indicate, then I get it. Otherwise maybe try it :) Kids stuff is inexpensive.)
A basic, inexpensive tablet with no internet connection, just for games. That's what my Mom has used. When that Android died, I transitioned her to my onl iPad. She is 94 and has arthritis in her hands but can mostly manage the swiping and understand only where her game apps are. At first she couldn't stop touching the screen inadvertently and getting "lost".
Do you want to be their technical support every day?
I've seen on this forum others recommend GrandPad, but the subscription is expensive because I think it includes tech support...
If a senior does not have dementia and is "up" for understanding more about how to use computers, tablets, etc. some senior centers offer classes in these areas. (Some community colleges may do the same). I know of a senior center near where I live that even has a kind of Tech expert who can be called to answer questions by those with memberships. Good luck.
It depends on the elder. I sat with my mom, at her laptop I bought her a couple of years ago, and showed her how to: * Get her email. * How to click on a link in a Word document I created with dozens of links in it to take her to youtube videos of documentaries she likes to see. (so she wouldn't have to search for them in Google....I didn't see THAT happening....) * How to get to the Pysol app (which I installed on her laptop), which has hundreds of solitaire games.
She told me she saw value in her doing all of the above, and expressed interest in watching the documentaries and playing the games.
Next, I got a notebook and took one page for each of the above to write instructions on how to do them. Only 3 to 5 sentences were on each page.
I then sat with her, walked through the steps, then had her do it. To be honest, I think she's capable, but for the past 15 years or more, my mom has acted "scared" of the computer, so it was a fight the whole way. I told her time and time again not to worry about pressing the wrong key...and to just read her directions first.
I then tried walking her through it remotely, as I live about 3 hours away.
I only lasted for about two days of doing that before I mentally said the equivalent of "forget it" (imagine much more colorful words).
Sometimes you can lead a horse to water, but can't make them drink.
Some seniors WANT to learn how to use their computer...not my mom...she pretty much told me she doesn't want to have anything to do with it. Maybe those wanting to learn are the majority, but not my mom who is 86 and who I'm pretty sure does not have dementia.
By proceeding, I agree that I understand the following disclosures:
I. How We Work in Washington.
Based on your preferences, we provide you with information about one or more of our contracted senior living providers ("Participating Communities") and provide your Senior Living Care Information to Participating Communities. The Participating Communities may contact you directly regarding their services.
APFM does not endorse or recommend any provider. It is your sole responsibility to select the appropriate care for yourself or your loved one. We work with both you and the Participating Communities in your search. We do not permit our Advisors to have an ownership interest in Participating Communities.
II. How We Are Paid.
We do not charge you any fee – we are paid by the Participating Communities. Some Participating Communities pay us a percentage of the first month's standard rate for the rent and care services you select. We invoice these fees after the senior moves in.
III. When We Tour.
APFM tours certain Participating Communities in Washington (typically more in metropolitan areas than in rural areas.) During the 12 month period prior to December 31, 2017, we toured 86.2% of Participating Communities with capacity for 20 or more residents.
IV. No Obligation or Commitment.
You have no obligation to use or to continue to use our services. Because you pay no fee to us, you will never need to ask for a refund.
V. Complaints.
Please contact our Family Feedback Line at (866) 584-7340 or ConsumerFeedback@aplaceformom.com to report any complaint. Consumers have many avenues to address a dispute with any referral service company, including the right to file a complaint with the Attorney General's office at: Consumer Protection Division, 800 5th Avenue, Ste. 2000, Seattle, 98104 or 800-551-4636.
VI. No Waiver of Your Rights.
APFM does not (and may not) require or even ask consumers seeking senior housing or care services in Washington State to sign waivers of liability for losses of personal property or injury or to sign waivers of any rights established under law.
I agree that:
A.
I authorize A Place For Mom ("APFM") to collect certain personal and contact detail information, as well as relevant health care information about me or from me about the senior family member or relative I am assisting ("Senior Living Care Information").
B.
APFM may provide information to me electronically. My electronic signature on agreements and documents has the same effect as if I signed them in ink.
C.
APFM may send all communications to me electronically via e-mail or by access to an APFM web site.
D.
If I want a paper copy, I can print a copy of the Disclosures or download the Disclosures for my records.
E.
This E-Sign Acknowledgement and Authorization applies to these Disclosures and all future Disclosures related to APFM's services, unless I revoke my authorization. You may revoke this authorization in writing at any time (except where we have already disclosed information before receiving your revocation.) This authorization will expire after one year.
F.
You consent to APFM's reaching out to you using a phone system than can auto-dial numbers (we miss rotary phones, too!), but this consent is not required to use our service.
My Mom, who died a few years back, was very proficient on laptop and cell phone, But as her dementia and medical issues set in, it became tough for her to keep up
Now, my dad, age 87, was never great with laptop and email. He wants me to now bring his laptop into assited living, after being 4 months without it. I'm avoiding doing that. He will likely not be able to figure it out, then I become 24/7 "tech support " guy.....
I teach computer literacy to adults, from middle age up through seniors in their 90s. Seniors are absolutely able to learn how to use computers. It all depends on motivation. If there is something they want to do, they can learn how. They just need a reason.
At first, I give an overview of things I like to do, to give them ideas. When I teach, I emphasize that I am showing them what is possible and they don't have to memorize the details. They want to be independent and not a burden, so they learn how to use Google to find their own answers before asking for help.
*** During Covid lockdown, I was able to talk several octogenarians through downloading and installing Skype, We did this Over The Telephone! The trick is that they were willing to Listen. Many younger people can't/won't do that.
The biggest obstacle is fear of failure and possibly breaking things. I tell them some of the stupid things I've done, like spill soda on the keyboard, and call tech support because I forgot to make sure the power cord was in tight enough. LOL. That was a real ID-10-T Error (Idiot).
I have them mash the keyboard and play with the mouse. I have an old computer that I open up and let them touch the insides. (Unplug it first) I close it up and show that it still works.
I also teach some computer jargon and jokes to amaze their families. PICNIC is a good one (problem-in-chair, not-in-computer) because you can use it when your kids are complaining about their own computers.
I had one elderly student who was literally shaking during the first class. After the second class, she gave me a big smile and a hug.
*** Blt2024 suggested a children's tablet. That's a good idea too. My local senior center has a tablet class with a simplified tablet that a lot of people like.
Computers have taught my partner and I some colorful new swear words. And so far we keep plodding along. But I foresee the time coming when I won't have the wherewithall to negotiate the curves. Your loved one has my sympathy.
Also, if you are computer savvy, there are “launcher” apps to change the “skin” of the device so that it has a simpler screen interface, larger fonts etc. (I think they’re called launcher apps because it starts as soon as you turn the phone on.) This is similar to what the senior cell phones have - a basic Android device (for example) with a layer over top to change the confusing, small icons of Text, Call, Photos/camera to nice, colorful, big, friendly buttons with obvious labels.
We set my mom up with a senior phone and she’s all over the place - absolutely hates computers never uses e-mail - makes her younger sister check it - I was impressed that SHE started interacting with the phone as soon as it came in the box. It was not intimidating for some reason.
I hope that sparks some ideas!
(i didn’t check your profile, so if all is lost like these replies seem to indicate, then I get it. Otherwise maybe try it :) Kids stuff is inexpensive.)
Do you want to be their technical support every day?
I've seen on this forum others recommend GrandPad, but the subscription is expensive because I think it includes tech support...
* Get her email.
* How to click on a link in a Word document I created with dozens of links in it to take her to youtube videos of documentaries she likes to see. (so she wouldn't have to search for them in Google....I didn't see THAT happening....)
* How to get to the Pysol app (which I installed on her laptop), which has hundreds of solitaire games.
She told me she saw value in her doing all of the above, and expressed interest in watching the documentaries and playing the games.
Next, I got a notebook and took one page for each of the above to write instructions on how to do them. Only 3 to 5 sentences were on each page.
I then sat with her, walked through the steps, then had her do it. To be honest, I think she's capable, but for the past 15 years or more, my mom has acted "scared" of the computer, so it was a fight the whole way. I told her time and time again not to worry about pressing the wrong key...and to just read her directions first.
I then tried walking her through it remotely, as I live about 3 hours away.
I only lasted for about two days of doing that before I mentally said the equivalent of "forget it" (imagine much more colorful words).
Sometimes you can lead a horse to water, but can't make them drink.
Some seniors WANT to learn how to use their computer...not my mom...she pretty much told me she doesn't want to have anything to do with it. Maybe those wanting to learn are the majority, but not my mom who is 86 and who I'm pretty sure does not have dementia.
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