Complications from diabetes sparked this gentleman’s interest in a GrandPad

Dear Live Grand:

I’ve had diabetes since I was a child and recently developed diabetic retinopathy. With ongoing medical care, I hope to retain the vision that I have, however, I still need to work around current problems and be realistic about my future. A friend’s mother has retinopathy and he told me that his mom has a GrandPad and loves it, so I thought that this tablet might be an option for me. What makes a GrandPad better for poor vision than an ordinary tablet? Could I use the Internet safely if my vision declines? How about email? – SL

Dear SL:

Congratulations on having a proactive strategy for taking care of your retinopathy so that you can stay as independent as possible. A GrandPad tablet could certainly be part of that plan.

GrandPads were designed for older adults as well as people who have impaired vision and hearing, so with this tablet, you’d see clear, high-contrast text on a well-lit background. Icons are uniquely colored and underscored by the identifying word. These icons are positional, which means that they remain in the same place providing predictable navigation. GrandPad’s screen is large enough for comfortable reading but small enough to hold at the perfect angle to aid unique sight challenges.

Video calls are easy to place and receive since you’d see the person’s photo and you’d touch one button to call or answer. You could even take part in family Zoom calls if you’d like because there’s a streamlined app built right in.

There’s so much more, though. Your family admin could upload your favorite photos for quick and easy viewing, and the Music app would provide you with an abundance of choices. You’d even have the option of building our own Music Collection. The Radio app comes with pre-set stations but if you have a current favorite, that station could easily be added to the mix.

The Games app includes poker, slots, crosswords, solitaire, and a memory game that lets you choose your level of difficulty. The text and squares in crosswords and other games are large and crisp.

You’d be able to use GrandPad’s safe Internet app without worry so go ahead and try YouTube, run a search, or check out podcasts.

With the Tools app, you’d find an excellent magnifier, a super-bright flashlight, and a large-buttoned calculator. Voice emails are the default, so you wouldn’t even need to type.

Last but far from least, should you have a problem using any feature or even just want to check to see if some change is possible, GrandPad’s unmatched customer service is there. You’d simply tap the HELP button and you’d soon be on a video call with your personal representative.

With a GrandPad, people can remain comfortable using technology even if they develop vision, hearing, or memory challenges. This purpose-built table would do far more than provide you with the ability to communicate safely and easily. Its many features would keep you engaged with life well into the future.

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