February 25, 2021

Stay Connected with These Video Call Apps and Devices

About Brookdale Senior Living

Brookdale Senior Living offers multiple care levels for seniors in more than 600 communities nationwide. Brookdale helps you find the right care plan for yourself or your loved one. With amenities such as transportation services, salons and private dining rooms and activities such as gardening, fitness classes and trivia nights Brookdale caters to a wide range of interests and needs.

senior couple using video call technology

Even if you’re physically distanced from our friends and family, that doesn’t have to stop you from staying connected to the ones you love. One of the best and safest ways you can keep in touch is through video calls.

Whether from your smartphone, laptop or a voice assistant, here are some of the best apps and smart devices for video calling the ones you love.

Video Call Apps

As we adapted to social distancing measures, video call apps gained popularity—and for good reason. They’re some of the best ways to stay in touch with friends and family.

Zoom, Skype, and Google Hangouts are some of the most popular free video call apps. There are two ways to use each of these video call programs: you can download the app to your phone, or you can use the desktop version on your personal computer or laptop. Your loved one will also need to download the app, so make sure you’re on the same page about which video call app you plan to use before giving them a ring.

Video Call Devices

The Grandpad

The Grandpad is a tablet designed just for seniors, and it comes with what you need to start connecting with loved ones right away. This tablet makes staying in touch easier with a simple-to-use interface on a large display, built-in video chatting function, internet access, safety features, music streaming, popular games, the ability to share photos and more. The Grandpad uses 4G LTE internet—no WiFi necessary—and requires a monthly subscription to use.

The Jitterbug Smart2

Say hello to a smartphone made with seniors’ needs in mind. From video calls and voice typing to its simple, list-style interface and large display, the Jitterbug Smart2 has what you need to keep up with the ones you love. Plus, it also comes with a 5Star Urgent Response button in case of emergencies.

Amazon Echo Show

Go all out with a voice assistant that comes complete with an HD screen. The Amazon Echo Show’s easy-to-use voice commands and wide range of features make it a great choice for older adults. Using Skype or the Amazon app, you can video call friends and loved ones, and that’s just the beginning. You can also watch television shows, cook alongside the Food Network, set timers and alarms, check the weather and a whole lot more.

Facebook Portal

From the social media platform that was made to create connections comes Facebook Portal, a video call device that comes in a variety of affordable options. Portal allows you to video call your friends and family, even if they don’t have Portal. Its smart camera pans and zooms automatically to follow you as you move on screen. Plus, its story time feature provides a fun way to connect with the grandkids.

How Tech Brings Us Together

Want more ideas about how technology can make us feel closer when we’re far apart? We’ve got a webinar for that. Check out “In the Know: Together Through Technology” for tips and tricks on how you can use tech to stay in touch with the ones you love.

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