When you live far away from your aging parent, it’s normal to worry about how they’re getting by. Providing them with an Apple® device complete with video chat software will ensure you can stay in touch frequently and be a much-needed part of their life. If they're a little hesitant about using this technology, here's a closer look to help you make it less intimidating.

What Are the Benefits of Video Chatting?

As the ongoing pandemic has made clear, visiting your parents or relatives is not easy to do, especially if they live states away. Luckily, video calling with an Apple device eliminates feeling cut off from their lives. It also allows them to visibly see you and their grandkids during your everyday life and on important occasions without the worry of long-distance travel, which can be a wonderful gift when they're not feeling well or experiencing mobility issues.

How Can You Help Your Loved One With the Technology?

New technology is often intimidating to seniors, who tend to have trouble remembering certain access steps as well as the passwords to their accounts. While getting them a more user-friendly Apple device, such as an iPad Pro® 9.7 or an iPhone® XR, will make the learning process go more smoothly, it can still be challenging to teach them when you’re not physically there.

The beauty of getting them an Apple device is that the necessary video calling software, FaceTime®, is already installed. All you have to do is help them sign in with their Apple ID and register and verify their FaceTime email address.

When it’s time for them to make a call, all they have to do is search for the person they want to chat with in their contacts list and press the green icon with a white camera logo. However, it may be necessary to instruct them on how to swap back and forth between the front and back cameras. 

Finally, make sure they're aware of how to mute a call when they want to have a side conversation with someone in the room with them. This involves tapping the call window and the mute button.

If you're looking for a convenient, user-friendly way to keep in touch with your senior parent, Experimax Middleton has a quality selection of pre-owned Apple devices for sale for residents of Peabody, Danvers, Lynnfield, and the surrounding areas. Their selection of refurbished MacBook®, iMac®, iPad, and iPhone devices come with their one-year Experisure warranty. Visit their website to view the current certified products in their inventory. Call (978) 304-0134 with any questions or visit the store, which is located across from Richardson’s Ice Cream at 149 South Main Street, Suite M, Middleton, MA, 01949.