As people age, it’s important to stay connected to family members for emotional well-being, safety, and support. However, dropping by in person isn’t always an option. Work, distance, or time constraints can make even small tasks, like answering a simple question, feel overwhelming. Thankfully, a growing number of smart, senior-friendly tools can help solve this problem. Whether you’re across town or across the country, these communication tools make it easier to stay connected, provide support, and give everyone greater peace of mind. Here are a few of our favorite family communication tools to help you stay in touch with Mom or Dad.
Amazon Echo Show
The Amazon Echo Show is a smart display, a tablet-like device that can help seniors with a wide range of helpful tasks, like setting reminders, controlling connected lights and thermostats, streaming shows and movies, and video or voice chatting with loved ones. It uses Amazon’s Alexa voice-activated technology, making it easy to operate with simple voice commands.
One of its most valuable features for families is Drop In, a communication tool that allows approved contacts to start an instant audio or video call. When the Amazon Echo Show receives a Drop In call from an approved loved one, the audio or video connection begins automatically. Your loved one doesn’t have to answer the phone. This is especially useful if your loved one has trouble hearing the device ring, struggles with technology, or can’t reach the device due to a fall or other emergency.
Depending on the size of the device you purchase, prices for the Echo Show range from $89.99 to $399.99. Drop In calls are an included Alexa feature that doesn’t cost extra. You’ll need wireless internet access to operate the device and make and receive calls.
JubileeTV
JubileeTV is a great communication and support tool designed specifically for seniors and their families. It’s a device that connects to your loved one’s TV, transforming the TV into a smart hub for video calls, monitoring, and remote assistance. A companion app allows family members or caregivers to stay connected and lend support from anywhere.
Features include:
- Full-screen video calls with captions: Video calls are displayed prominently and include captions to assist those with hearing or vision challenges.
- Automatically answered video calls: If you initiate a video call but your loved one does not answer, you can choose auto-connect to start a call without the older adult having to answer.
- Drop In feature: This feature allows you to check in on your loved one without interrupting them. “With Drop In, you can see and hear what’s happening in your loved one’s room without requiring them to answer a call. The one-way video and audio feed lets you quietly check in, whether the TV is on or off.” This can be especially helpful if you haven’t been able to reach them.
- Remote assistance: Caregivers can open apps like Netflix, adjust the volume, or change channels, all from their smartphone app, making it easy to help troubleshoot TV issues remotely.
- Live activity feed: Family members can see when the TV turns on and how long it has been in use.
- Voice-controlled remote: The JubileeTV remote allows users to easily find shows and movies and connect with loved ones through video calls.
In order to use the JubileeTV, you must have a TV with HDMI, a WiFi internet connection, and at least one set-top cable box or streaming player, like Roku. A family member or caregiver also needs to have a smart device to use the app. Here’s a quick quiz to see if your setup is compatible with Jubilee TV.
You can purchase the device for $199 and pay a monthly fee of $29 (billed monthly) or $24 (billed annually), or you can choose the all-in package for $799 with no recurring fees. They also offer a 60-day trial for just $10.
Jitterbug cell phones for seniors
The Jitterbug from Lively is a senior-friendly cell phone designed with simplicity, safety, and family connectivity in mind. Available in both flip phone and smartphone formats, Jitterbug devices feature large screens, easy-to-read text, and a prominent Urgent Response button for emergencies, allowing older adults to make phone calls, send texts, and access emergency services with ease. Jitterbug users can also reach team members who can schedule Lyft rides for them so they can attend appointments or social events.
Although all Jitterbug phones come with Urgent Response buttons, you’ll have to opt for a higher-tier plan to access this feature. These higher-tier plans also offer access to the Link app, with which friends and family get notifications if there’s an emergency, among other features.
The Basic plan is just $14.99 per month after you purchase the phone, which starts at $79.99 (although Lively frequently offers discounts). Plans with Urgent Response and other features are $34.99 and $44.99 a month.
RAZ Memory Cell Phone
The RAZ Memory Cell Phone is a phone specially designed for seniors with dementia, cognitive decline, or vision loss or those who simply need a more caregiver-friendly mobile device. It eliminates the complexity of modern smartphones, offering a simplified interface that focuses on safety, ease of use, and communication.
Features include:
- One-touch calling: Seniors can easily place voice or video calls by tapping and holding a contact’s photo.
- Approved contacts: Video and voice calls can only be initiated by approved contacts.
- Remote management: Caregivers can manage contacts, settings, reminders, and check signal strength, battery power, and the phone’s location through a dedicated app, without needing access to the phone itself.
- Reminders: The caregiver can set reminders for medication and appointments as well as to ensure that the older adult charges their phone when needed.
- Auto-answer on speakerphone: Calls can automatically answer on speaker, ensuring your loved one stays connected even if they’re unable to press the answer call button.
The RAZ Memory Cell Phone is compatible with most major U.S. carriers, including Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and others. After purchasing the RAZ cell phone, you only have to pay your carrier’s bill with no recurring charges from RAZ.
RAZ does offer an optional subscription for their Mobility Emergency Service. This personalized emergency support service helps filter any calls the user places to 911 and determines whether emergency services should actually be contacted. This feature is particularly useful for those with Alzheimer’s and dementia who may repetitively call emergency services out of confusion.
GrandPad
GrandPad is a tablet designed specifically for older adults who may struggle with traditional technology. With its simplified interface, large buttons, and secure features, GrandPad makes it easy for seniors to stay in touch with family through video calls, emails, photo sharing, and more in a safe, easy-to-use device.
Key features include:
- Video and voice calls: Seniors can connect with approved contacts through high-quality video or voice calls, reducing isolation and making communication more personal. Only trusted contacts can connect with the GrandPad user.
- Photo and video sharing: Family members can send photos and videos directly to the GrandPad using the companion app or website, helping seniors feel connected to everyday moments.
- Built-in apps and games: The tablet comes with built-in music, games, weather updates, news, and more to keep users entertained and informed.
- No passwords or setup stress: GrandPad comes preconfigured and connected to a secure 4G LTE network, so there’s no need for home Wi-Fi or complicated passwords.
- Remote management: Caregivers and family members can manage contacts, settings, and apps remotely using a secure portal.
You purchase the GrandPad device outright, and then pay a monthly service fee that covers 4G LTE data, customer support, and more. Currently, the tablet costs $349.99. Service plans with cellular data (not requiring Wi-Fi) are $45 or $65 per month. The service is contract-free, giving you the flexibility to cancel anytime.
Stay in touch with Mom or Dad with the right communication tools
Staying connected with aging loved ones is important, especially if they need a little extra help or you’re worried about their safety. Whether you’re helping them solve a tech issue, checking in on their safety, or simply sharing a friendly face, the right communication tools make it easier to stay close, even from a distance. From smart displays and simplified smartphones to TV-connected devices and caregiver apps, today’s technology offers practical, senior-friendly solutions that keep families connected without added stress. With the right setup, you can support your loved one’s needs and bring everyone a little more peace of mind.
