Do you have an older relative who is quarantined in a senior living home that you want to connect with?
My kids loved visiting their great-grandma, but calling was a little harder because you can’t see who you are talking to. Great-Grandma doesn’t have a smart phone, and technology can be more difficult for that generation, understandably, so my relatives recently installed an Echo Show for her.
This week we called her on the Echo Show, and it was so wonderful for both her and us. We were able to connect by seeing each other and laughing and talking. The kids showed her pictures of what their drawing (she was an avid artist) and their handwriting workbooks (she was a kindergartener teacher). We laughed and laughed.
The best part was, she didn’t have to do anything. The Echo is set right next to her main chair and all she has to do is answer and talk. Not much of a technology learning curve at all!
And on our end (we don’t have an Echo Show at our house), it was simple too. I downloaded the Amazon Alexa app to my phone, logged in with my Amazon account and then entered her Alexa phone number. That was it!
I wanted to share this story with you, because connecting with each other, especially the elderly, during a time like this is SO important. We used to visit Grandma on a regular basis. Now we aren’t physically allowed, but we can still visit her virtually—at not stress to her.
The Echo Show 8 is just $99 (regularly $129) so it is a reasonable price for what it offers. If you’re looking to get it for a parent or grandparent, you could even split the cost between your siblings or relatives.
I do recommend getting the adjustable stand so that it can be angled for appropriate viewing. Amazon is offering a deal on the combo package (device with the stand) right now for just $124.98.
I’m sure there are other technology options out there too. I don’t have personal experience with those yet, but if you do, please share!
