Gentleman with Parkinson’s wants to maintain connections

Dear Live Grand:

I’m a 68-year-old man who uses computers and smartphones, but I have advancing Parkinson’s disease so my abilities will change. So far, my symptoms are mild, however, they will worsen with time. Even dementia is a possibility, so I’m considering both my present cognition and future changes. I want to maintain connections with friends and extended family, and I’ve read that GrandPad offers a simple way to conduct video calls. How does this work? Will I still get junk calls and spam? My family says that so far, my judgment seems good, but we’re aware that could change. What additional benefits would I have with this tablet? Thank you. – DP

Dear DP:

Congratulations on your forward-thinking which will help you continue to enjoy life even with the challenges presented by Parkinson’s disease. We have no doubt that your family is grateful for your realistic approach. 

You mentioned that your primary concern is maintaining connections with friends and family. With a GrandPad, you’d find that doing so would remain safe and simple even as the disease progresses. Your family admin would add the phone numbers and images of the people you’d like included in your Contacts. Then, if one of these people called you, you’d see their image, touch Answer, and your video call would connect. If you wanted to place a call, you’d simply tap the Call icon and then tap the Call button under their image. 

GrandPads have built-in 4G enabled cellular service, so they don’t require an Internet connection or password. Since only the people added to your contacts can get through, you’d be protected from spam calls and emails. Speaking of emails, if you wanted to convey information at a time when a call was inconvenient, you’d have the alternative option of sending a voice email.

You’re used to computers, so you probably like to browse select websites. With GrandPad’s safe Internet you could explore worry-free. Options like YouTube, Wikipedia, and NPR are available with one click. Your family admin could also add additional websites that you currently use including your online newspaper.

You could easily view photos and videos that the family admin uploads to your tablet and if you like taking pictures, there’s a great camera.

The Radio app could bring you varied entertainment, and the Music app offers different genres and decades to choose from so you could build your personalized Music Collection. 

If you enjoy playing cards, word games, and memory challenges you’d find plenty to challenge you within the Games app. Great for brain maintenance! 

You could check your local weather with one click and access a calculator, flashlight, or magnifying glass from within the Toolbox app. Setup is easy and should you need assistance, you’d just tap the Help button, and your own representative would answer your questions.

You can see why we think that you’d be pleased by GrandPad’s flexibility, DP.  

Best wishes that you can keep the worst of the Parkinson’s symptoms at bay for a long time.

Live Grand is a weekly column brought to you by GrandPad — the simplest, safest tablet-based solution that helps reconnect families.