Tech for the old farts

[missdiane]

Anyone ever used or know anyone that's used a Grandpad? I've given the parents an iPad that I scaled down some but they didn't use it for long, nor did they use the one the brother got them for long. But the Grandpad seems easier for them to figure out and I'd also be able to administer it for them from here by adding and removing contacts, websites, adding pictures, etc.

I figure since it's not likely that we'd be able to move a whole computer into the nursing home, that it would be an option for them (especially Mom) to play games, see pictures, browse websites and do calls and video calls.

I just don't want to drop another load of money and pay a monthly plan if they're not going to use it.

Comments

[halfmoon_mollie1]

I have to admit I have been tempted to get one for THIS old fart.

[missdiane]

If you get it through Consumer Cellular, it's very reasonably priced. Though since you have both phone and computer and know how to use them (for the most part), it wouldn't be practical for you at the moment. But I really like that I can add and remove and customize things for them from here

[halfmoon_mollie1]

My computer is a Chromebook. And my carrier is Consumer Cellular.

[threecee]

I know Consumer Cellular has the Grandpad for $299 plus $40 per month for the service. Same cost as the Grandpad site. If following year service is more than $40 you can always switch the subscription to Consumer Cellular. They have no problem with bringing your own equipment.

They have a pdf manual at https://www.consumercellular.com/grandpadsupport if you want more info.

Consumer Cellular also offers a "Senior Transportation Service" via Lyft as part of their Grandpad. The actual transportation costs the same as Lyft. Lyft is total crap - drivers cancel without warning, it can take anywhere from 5 minutes to one hour to get there. Costs 3 X what a dispatched cab does for same trip. Maybe it is better in larger cities, but in a mid-size city there just aren't enough drivers to make it work.

[missdiane]

The Consumer Cellular price is cheaper than the Grandpad from what I can see. Grandpad is $65/month and that's only if you pay for a full year.

Hm...yeah the Lyft wouldn't work well where they're at since they're in the suburbs near Columbus and the nursing home is even further north in the small city of Delaware. They fortunately are set up with the old fart bus but even with that, Dad could only use it a couple of times a week. But I don't think he's wanting to go visit as often as he was. It is wearing him out.

I haven't received a call from them and Sis was taking Dad out to visit. I hope that doesn't mean that they've not yet set up a phone for her. I'll have to text Sis to make sure to check when she picks him up to take him home.

[threecee]

Yeah, the Consumer Cellular thing is the Grandpad with a different price. AARP members also get a small discount, so if they have a membership, you might be able to put it in their names with your billing address or something. I'm sure they have those situations.

I have found their basic "how do I" live support good. They assume you are a slightly senile old person who is just now upgrading from a rotary phone and black and white TV. (In other words, you and I will be able to understand it.)The help videos are all on YouTube so you can search under Consumer Cellular there.

[missdiane]

If my parents are going to be in this current facility for long and Sis can't get them to understand the iPad, I might get the Grandpad directly through the grandpad site for the higher price since there's this on the FAQ
-Your GrandPad is 100% insured as part of your subscription. If it’s lost or stolen, we can disable the missing device and send you a new GrandPad loaded with all of your information and memories. If your GrandPad breaks, we will send you a new one all ready to go.-

Consumer Cellular has a subscription for a few bucks for a protection plan but it doesn't cover being lost or stolen