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Staying close to people

Connection Builders

See the family, share the day, and keep the door open when visiting is hard.

What these do

Distance and mobility should not decide how often you see the people you love. These make calling simple enough that it stops being an event — and some let family check in gently without hovering.

Good for

  • Video calls with grandchildren that actually connect on the first try
  • Sharing photographs with the whole family at once
  • Letting someone know you are alright
  • Company on days when nobody is visiting

Tools worth trying

  • GrandPad

    by GrandPad

    Easy to start

    One large button per person. Press a face, and the call starts. Nothing else to learn.

    Visit GrandPad Tutorial coming soon

  • Zoom

    by Zoom

    Some practice needed

    Video calls with several people at once, and captions on screen if hearing is difficult.

    Note: Meta Portal — discontinued by Meta, and the devices no longer receive support.

    Visit Zoom Tutorial coming soon

  • Alexa Emergency Assist

    by Amazon

    Some practice needed

    Say “Alexa, call for help” anywhere in the house, and notify family at the same time.

    Note: Alexa Together — retired by Amazon; Emergency Assist is its current replacement.

    Visit Alexa Emergency Assist Tutorial coming soon

  • Papa

    by Papa Inc.

    Easy to start

    Pairs you with a real person for company, errands, and help around the house. Often covered by a health plan.

    Note: Never Alone — no longer an available service.

    Visit Papa Tutorial coming soon

  • Rendever

    by Rendever

    More involved

    Virtual reality that takes you back to a childhood street or a place you can no longer travel to. Usually offered through a community.

    Visit Rendever Tutorial coming soon