Could a GrandPad help someone with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease stay connected?

Dear Live Grand:

I’m only 56, but I’ve been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Having seen this with my mother, I’m determined to plan so that I can live at least semi-independently for as long as possible. To do that, I’ll need to find electronic devices that will support my quality of life but won’t depend on my slippery memory. Can you tell me if a GrandPad would be useful for me while I’m still reasonably astute? Would the tablet keep me safe online as my judgment falters yet still allow me to communicate with loved ones? – SK

Dear SK:

While we know that Alzheimer’s disease is a difficult diagnosis for anyone, it’s especially difficult for someone your age. Our hearts are with you. You’re wise to plan, and it pleases us to help you do so by explaining how a GrandPad could help you both now and in the future as your disease progresses.

Most computer users enjoy browsing select websites. With GrandPad’s Internet app you’d have the option of using pre-sets that offer articles, podcasts, and videos focusing on people over 50, yet you could also explore the Web using the Search option. Your family admin could add additional websites including your online newspapers. As you notice your judgment slipping, your family admin could then limit your online exposure as needed.

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 call or email you, you’d be protected from spam. Voice emails are already set up, though typed emails could be enabled.

Video/audio calls are simple, which is convenient now, but they will be critical for you later. As soon as someone from your Contacts calls, you’ll see their image and click Answer and you’re connected. To place a call, you’d simply choose the person’s image from your Contacts and tap Call.

You could easily view photos and videos that the family admin uploads to your Photos app and if you like taking pictures, there’s a 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 or completing crossword puzzles, you’d find plenty to challenge you within the Games app. The memory game even allows you to set your level of difficulty.

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. Should you need assistance at any time, you’d just tap the Help button, and your own representative would answer your questions – live, 24/7, 365 days a year.

GrandPads are versatile, SK, so your family admin would be able to enable certain functions now but hide them from your view as your memory and judgment decline. This flexibility removes the tech confusion that hinders so many and would protect you from outside threats.

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