Best Elderly Care Video Monitor With 2way Talk and Easy Set Up

If you live a distance away from your parents or an elderly relative, video calling is a great way of staying in touch. It can feel more personal than a phone call, and seeing them in-situ has the added benefit of being able to keep a subtle check on their health and environment.

The Covid-19 pandemic led to video calling becoming a far more popular way of communicating. You can video call on smartphones, tablets and laptops using apps such as Zoom, Skype, Facetime and Whatsapp. One of the positives to come out of the pandemic is that tech and internet usage amongst the older generation has increased. However, getting to grips with video calling using the latest phones and laptops can still be problematic — particularly for older people with dementia or impaired capacity.

As a result, we've witnessed the development of simple video calling devices designed to help those with limited tech knowledge and especially helpful for engaging with older relatives. Keep reading as we've picked our favourite three video calling devices for the elderly in the UK.

1. CallGenie

The CallGenie video calling device was invented specifically for older people and therefore is the easiest to use. CallGenie uses the Skype video calling system to make calls which are displayed on the elderly user's TV screen. They don't even have to remember how to answer or end a call, it all happens automatically. Only calls from known contacts are answered.

call genie video calling device for elderly

The CallGenie software connects to the television through a mini-PC and a webcam placed at the top of the TV set. By using a TV display, you are guaranteed the picture is big enough for most elderly users to see and the sound is loud enough for them to hear.

When you make a call to your elderly relative, their viewing will be suspended and your faces will automatically appear on their TV screen. Perhaps even more importantly, when you end the call, the TV will go back to what they were watching before. Even if they are not watching TV, it is able to turn the TV on for the call and back to off again afterwards. The automatic answering and ending is particularly helpful for older living with dementia, or who have some other form of impaired capacity.

You just need to plug the CallGenie equipment into the HDMI port of your relative's TV — and their support team are on hand to provide remote guidance on the installation process.

These well-planned features make the CallGenie the simplest video calling device for the elderly on the market in the UK. It is ideal for older people who might struggle with or who are suspicious of new technology.

Answers and ends calls automatically
Only calls from known Skype contacts are answered
Uses the TV for visual and audio
Uses Skype
Remote installation support

The CallGenie with HD Webcam costs £479.99 including VAT. This includes a 12 month warranty.

2. Komp from No Isolation

The Komp from No Isolation is for the older people who feel they have been left behind by technology, especially those who find it difficult to use, or have never used, a mobile phone or computer. Komp is designed with them at heart. It works by having a large screen in the home that connects to the internet (by Wi-Fi or 4G). The older person just needs to have it turned on. That's it!

When turned on, family members on the Komp companion app can start up video calls, send photos or messages directly to the Komp screen from wherever they are in the world – no action needed by your elderly relative. It's like a super simple, closed-network social space to help those who feel a bit more isolated not feel left out. Calls will be answered automatically after ringing for 10 seconds – however, if the recipient doesn't want to answer, Komp can be turned off using the only button on the device.

No Isolation, the team behind Komp, invented the device after being challenged to find a solution to reduce involuntary loneliness and social isolation within the older generation of analogue seniors. They arrived at Komp, a one-button screen that enables fluid communication between family members and a less tech-savvy, potentially more isolated, older relative.

Answers and ends calls automatically
Have messages, photos and reminders appear on the screen
Closed, private and secure family network (content is end-to-end encrypted and no data is shared with third parties)
No usernames or passwords - share access with family
Large 21" inch screen that can stand up alone or can be wall mounted
Only requires mains power and internet connection (Wi-FI or from built in 4G SIM)

There are two buying options for Komp. You can either rent the device for £39/month or purchase is outright for £599. Adding the 4G SIM is an option extra if there is no Wi-Fi available in your loved one's house. Komp is eligible for VAT Exemption.

Reviewed by Roey! One of our panel of reviewers, Roey (89) and her family used Komp extensively for a week and gave us their thoughts in this extensive Komp review <- read here!

3. Amazon Echo Show

Amazon has also branched into the market of simple video calling devices. Powered by Alexa, the Amazon Echo Show allows your elderly relative to start a video call using only their voice, which is helpful for those who struggle to use a touch screen.

The Amazon Echo Show comes in a range of screen sizes (5inch to 10 inch) — we would recommend the largest screen for older users.

You can only receive calls from friends and family who also have an Echo device with a screen, or the Alexa app on their phone.

The Amazon Echo Show has a greater range of functions than the other video calling devices on this list. Using the technology from Alexa, the Amazon Echo Show can tell your relative about the latest news, play TV shows and films, and answer questions like a traditional Alexa.

Because of the multi function use, this video calling device might be better suited for elderly relatives that are a bit more tech-savvy. Introducing this technology to a more technology-sceptical relative might be a challenge.

Voice automation
Only compatible with other Amazon devices or Alexa app
Self-installation

The Amazon Echo Show 10 (10.1″ screen) costs £239.99.

4. Facebook Portal

The Facebook Portal was not specifically intended as a video calling device for the elderly, but it is one of the most popular on the market in the UK for older people.

With the Facebook Portal, a user can start and receive calls using voice-automation: "Alexa, start a video call with Peter".

video calling for seniors

The Facebook Portal video calling device supports video calls via either Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp. This means your relative will need a Facebook or WhatsApp account in order to use the Facebook Portal for video calling. In order to have WhatsApp, they will need a smart phone. This extra level of technical involvement might be too complicated or too overwhelming for some older people.

The Portal has a webcam built-in, and can be plugged in anywhere in the home. Helpfully, the camera pans automatically to keep the user in-focus even if they move around the room. The elderly user will see the people that they are calling on the Portal's 10-inch screen.

It is possible to set up the Facebook Portal to display on your relative's TV, but it cannot be programmed to answer automatically, which can make it difficult for some elderly users.

The Portal supports Spotify, allowing your relative to listen to music and podcasts. Fortunately, the Facebook Portal is not overloaded with features that may be confusing for seniors. However, the lack of automatic answering is a drawback.

Voice automation
Uses Facebook Messenger & Whatsapp
Self-installation

The Facebook Portal costs £169.

Which Video Calling Device is best for my relative?

Which video calling device is best for your relative will depend on their needs.

If your relative struggles with technology, then we think the best option is the CallGenie. It is the only device designed for automatic answering, and it requires no technological input from your relative in order to have successful video calls. It is also better suited for people living with dementia.

If your relative is better at using technology, then you should consider the Facebook Portal or the Amazon Echo Show, which have a greater number of functions including Alexa and Spotify.

Frequently Asked Questions about Video Calling for the Elderly

Can you video call without Wifi?

All of the video calling devices listed on this page require Wifi in order to make calls. They are easy to connect to your relative's existing Wifi set-up.

Do I need to buy a webcam for my elderly relative?

The Facebook Portal and Amazon Echo Show devices both come with a webcam built-in to the device.

The CallGenie is available with 2 webcam options. These are an HD webcam, and a Full HD Webcam.

Are video calling devices for the elderly easier than video calling on phones?

Simple devices for video calling for the elderly are usually easier than video calling on smartphones. This is because smartphones tend to have a greater number of features, and require more technical knowledge.

Video calling devices built specifically for the elderly, like the Callgenie, are built with simplicity in mind.

The screen size on a smart phone, might also make it more difficult for an older person to see.

Do video calling devices for the elderly record the calls?

Video calling devices for the elderly do not record the calls. Video calls on most of the major video calling services are encrypted (can't be monitored by anyone) for additional privacy.

Are video calling devices easy to set up?

Video calling devices are easy for most people to set up.

However, you might want to install the device together, to make sure everyone understands how it works and do a couple of test runs.

What is the best video calling device for somebody with dementia?

A video calling device for someone living with dementia should be easy-to-use, and not dependent on learning how a new device works.

We think that the CallGenie is the best video calling device for someone with dementia because it answers automatically, and uses the TV (a piece of technology that people with dementia tend to be familiar with).

What makes a good video calling device for the elderly?

A good video calling device for an older person should be extremely easy-to-answer, require limited technical knowledge day-to-day, and always be available to use without much preparation.

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Source: https://www.agespace.org/tech/video-calling-devices-elderly