Best Video Call Apps & Devices for Seniors to Stay Connected
Staying connected to family and friends plays a key role in older adults’ mental health. To enjoy regular video calls and boost relationships at a distance, seniors must have access to the right apps and devices.
At our assisted living community, we encourage all individuals to uphold connections with their family and friends. Here are our top recommendations for the best video calling apps and devices for seniors so that your next chat goes smoothly.
Best Video Call Apps for Older Adults
Leveraging video call apps can help you or your loved one keep in touch. Video call apps can be downloaded on your phone, tablet, or laptop so you can easily dial and answer calls over the internet.
Some apps may require creating an account with a username and password, so it’s best to set this up in advance, especially if your parent doesn’t feel comfortable with technology.
1. Oscar Senior
Price: $11.70 per month per account (up to 9 family members)
Oscar Senior is a video calling app designed for older adults, making it easy for you or a loved one to call or message. It comes with more advanced features such as auto-answer and medication reminders.
Key Features
- Minimalist design with large text and buttons
- Auto-answer feature
- Group video chat feature
- Track key care data
- Medication management and calendar notifications
- Cross-platform for Android or Apple
2. FaceTime
Price: Free
FaceTime is a great video call app for iPhone and iPad users since adults can navigate directly to the app without extra set-up.
Key Features
- No extra app to install (automatically downloaded on Apple devices; not available for Android users)
- User-friendly interface
3. Google Meet
Price: Free
Google Meet is a top video call app. Not only is it automatically downloaded and free to use, but you can integrate it with Google Calendar to schedule calls in advance. All you have to do is “Join the Meeting”!
Key Features
- No extra app to install (automatically downloaded on Android devices; not available for Apple users)
- Schedule calls via Google Calendar
- Good for group calls
- User-friendly interface
4. Facebook Messenger Lite
Price: Free
As an alternative to the full version, Facebook Messenger Lite is a minimalist app that pares down features to calling and messaging only.
Key Features
- No Facebook account required
- User-friendly interface
- Cross-platform for Android or Apple
5. WhatsApp
Price: Free
WhatsApp is an excellent video call app known for its privacy settings and easy-to-use interface. It also boasts of advanced messaging features, such as blocking, disappearing media files, etc.
Key Features
- End-to-end encrypted messaging and calling
- User-friendly interface
- Advanced messaging features
- Cross-platform for Android or Apple
6. Viber
Price: Free
Viber is another video call app with top privacy and a slick user interface. For adults who are concerned about their data but don’t want the bells and whistles, Viber is a good choice.
Key Features
- End-to-end encrypted messaging and calling
- User-friendly interface
- Cross-platform for Android or Apple
7. Zoom
Price: Free
Zoom is known for its high-quality video calls, even with large groups. While the interface is user-friendly, it requires setting up a username and password. Overall, this video call app is best for older adults who like to connect through their laptops.
Key Features
- User-friendly interface
- Good for group calls
- Cross-platform for Android or Apple
8. Skype
Price: Free
As one of the first video call apps ever launched, Skype is a tried-and-true option. It’s known for its high-quality video calls and easy-to-use interface, though it also requires a username and password.
Key Features
- User-friendly interface
- Good for group calls
- Cross-platform for Android or Apple
Best Video Call Devices for Older Adults
Now that you’ve selected the right video call app for you or your parent, it’s time to find the best video calling device for seniors. It’s essential to choose the right device that works with your parent’s comfort level and technology abilities.
Best Video Calling Devices for Seniors with Dementia
Some video call devices streamline the process for older adults who don’t have the capacity to dial or handle more complicated technology.
For example, if your parent lives in a memory care community, one of these devices may be best for their needs:
- CallGenie is a TV box device that uses Skype to display calls on the senior’s TV screen automatically. It’s easy for older adults to see and hear the call via the TV controls.
- Komp from No Isolation is a large screen with one button that can be used as a secure, closed network for family calls and messages. Essentially, any calls and messages will appear on the screen automatically.
- Konnekt Videophone is a simplified interface that is great for older adults with impaired hearing, mobility, or cognitive issues. It offers one-touch calling via Skype, as well as captioning for those with hearing loss.
- ONSCREEN Spark is a TV box device that turns the TV screen into a high-quality video via Zoom. Calls can be set to auto-answer for “Favorite” contacts, or adults can start calls through the ONSCREEN app.
Best Video Calling Devices for Seniors Who Are More Tech-Savvy
If you or your parent are a bit more comfortable with technology, these devices may be useful for video calls and other online activities. Overall, these are the best video calling devices for seniors who live in independent living or assisted living.
- The Grandpad is a no-frills tablet that’s specifically designed for older adults. It’s secure and can be used for a variety of activities, including video calls, games, music, and more.
- ViewClix is a smart picture frame that supports auto-answer video calls and sharing pictures. When it’s not being used for calls, it shows family photos.
- Amazon Echo Show is a simple video calling device with voice commands. It can also be used for other online activities such as asking questions, reading the news, and playing TV shows.
- Facebook Portal is another simple, voice-command device that supports video calls through Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp.
Best Practices for Enjoying Video Calls for Seniors
With the right apps and devices, you’re well on your way to enjoying successful video calls with family and friends. To enhance these connections, you should keep in mind these best practices for communicating through technology.
Set up devices ahead of time
Make sure your parent’s tech set-up is ready for your next video call. This may involve downloading the app, creating a login, and doing a test run.
Check volume concerns
If you or your parent is hard of hearing, consider buying special headphones that are hearing-aid compatible. Be sure to check the volume controls as well, so you can understand what’s being said.
Choose the right time of day
It’s nice to have a regularly scheduled call so you and your family can easily keep in touch. To make the most out of the call, you should always think about the right time of day to make it. For example, if your parent has dementia or sundowning symptoms, you may prefer to call in the morning when they’re at their best.
Stay Connected at Our Senior Living Community
Staying connected is easier than ever with today’s technology. Make sure to choose the best video calling device for you and your loved ones, so you can continue to support and strengthen your relationship – even from afar.
We at Park Place at Winghaven believe that connections with friends and family are vital to our residents’ well-being. Learn how we engage and integrate family into every individual’s life by contacting us online or dialing 866-408-1663.