Thread: Dementia and Computers

For a horrible moment there I thought your thread was going to contain info that computers cause dementia!

Whew!

We (me and my siblings) were thinking of getting our old mum a computer for communication via emails and zoom etc. We considered options around simplicity for her and reduced risk of untoward occurrences and wondered if we had administration rights within Windows whether that might be useful in controlling changes or software installation.

In the end we went with a cell phone for her that my (local to her) brother is able to control to a certain extent. Works well enough as it is simple enough for her to be happy with SMS and facetime with various family.

Originally Posted by windsock

For a horrible moment there I thought your thread was going to contain info that computers cause dementia!

Whew!

We (me and my siblings) were thinking of getting our old mum a computer for communication via emails and zoom etc. We considered options around simplicity for her and reduced risk of untoward occurrences and wondered if we had administration rights within Windows whether that might be useful in controlling changes or software installation.

In the end we went with a cell phone for her that my (local to her) brother is able to control to a certain extent. Works well enough as it is simple enough for her to be happy with SMS and facetime with various family.

The best tip is having a remote access to fix things. I have been using video calls after getting very grumpy with a German remote access service I had been paying to use for work and that. Mum tying and dad holding the phone towards the computer has lots of- I can see the roof not the computer screen and NO not that button. I only want ZOOM or WINDOWS File Explorer when every thing other than those to items was read to me again and again.

My wife got me a shot of scotch listening to my 2 hour effort setting up ZOOM for them doing that. Kids where amazed it actually worked Strike 3 for Dry July

Tablet computers like iPads or android tablets are generally easier to use for oldies than regular computers. If you install Kindle or another reading software on the devices for your parents they can get used to using them to read that way too.

Then when they need to use them for other reasons it's much easier for them to use.

I favour iPads for lower computer literacy as they are more easy to use and you can follow your nose. Android tablets are a bit more difficult for those to use who haven't had computer experience.

Originally Posted by gusthedog

I favour iPads for lower computer literacy as they are more easy to use and you can follow your nose. Android tablets are a bit more difficult for those to use who haven't had computer experience.

Yep, we had that discussion also and my bro with an old iPhone settled it and mum is very happy to SMS and facetime all day long from that. Her text speak is a bit baffling to me at times but she was off like a robbers dog after a few quick lessons and hasn't looked back... The iPhone and her are inseparable now. I can tell when she is in a good mood by all the cat emojis

Rating: Happy_cat_emoji_icon_87ab6b39-5f08-48a5-a89a-1f5d3312e159_large.jpgHappy_cat_emoji_icon_87ab6b39-5f08-48a5-a89a-1f5d3312e159_large.jpgHappy_cat_emoji_icon_87ab6b39-5f08-48a5-a89a-1f5d3312e159_large.jpgHappy_cat_emoji_icon_87ab6b39-5f08-48a5-a89a-1f5d3312e159_large.jpgHappy_cat_emoji_icon_87ab6b39-5f08-48a5-a89a-1f5d3312e159_large.jpg?

Something to look out for if your oldie has computer issues. Brisbane Seniors On Line (BSOL) is a not-for-profit volunteer run outfit that provides one-on-one computer training in people's own homes in the greater Brisbane area. The cost is minimal, $45 a year plus an initial joining fee of $20. For this, up to about 12 individual lessons can be had, and ready access to a mentor in the event of ongoing issues. Some areas also have regular get togethers and there are specialist groups for those interested in, for example, photography. Check out Brisbane Seniors Online – Computer lessons for the over 50s (bsol.asn.au)

I believe that there are similar organisations elsewhere in Australia.

Yep, I'm what they call a mentor and have been giving lessons for the last twelve years, including several in various stages of dementia. Two of my 'learners' are well in to the eighties, and no, age is no barrier.

Check it out.