Free and Age-friendly
Video Chat Apps
In order for families to protect one another, many Serenity Home Care clients have reported staying away from their elderly loved ones. Staying in touch is more important than ever. Many of us make phone calls, but the best calls are those where you can both hear and see your love ones.
So which is the best video app for calling your elderly loved one?
This is your quick guide to three free and user-friendly video calling apps that are easy enough to use at any age and that may help you to enjoy some quality time with your loved one during lock-downs and quarantines.
BEST VIDEO APP #1- SMART PHONE APP
Both Android and Apple smart phones already have video calling features that allow you to call your loved ones on video. If your loved one has an Apple iPhone or an iPad, you can call them using Face Time. If you use an Android smart phone, you can call them using the integrated video call feature. These features are ideal for one to one calls.
But what if you both have different phones using different operating systems? Well, there’s an app for that too! It’s called Duo. Google Duo is the highest quality video calling app and it is free. It’s also simple, reliable, and works across Android and iOS phones and tablets, smart devices, and on the web. You will need to initially download to both phones but you will be amazed at the quality of the conversation.
Best #2- WHATSAPP
WhatsApp is a communication app popular around the world. It allows you to text, call and leave voice notes for free.
You can communicate with your entire family easily using WhatsApp if your cell phone has a data plan or is connected to a wifi network. You can make video calls to your loved ones on any smart phone. A WhatsApp group call can even have up to 256 people. Simply add your family members into one group and communicate across the world.
Best #3- SKYPE
Skype is one of the oldest video chat programs that is still free and easy to use for your loved one. You can initiate the video call by sending your loved one a unique link through which they can connect with you on computer, cell phone or tablet. The immersive full screen video helps your loved one focus on you. The only requirement is an internet connection.
BONUS video app- FACEBOOK MESSENGER
Messenger is owned by the world’s most popular social media site and yes, it has video calling! If you already have a Facebook account, you already have everything you need to call your loved one on video.
Quality time with your loved ones during this difficult time is possible with video conversations. And while nothing is ever as good as the real thing, it still possible to build relationships and maintain strong connections with video calls. If you need support in setting up initial calls with your loved one, please give us a call. Together with Serenity Home Care, you can create better living for those you love.