GrandPad

Over the years we tried to get my mom, now 92, to use various electronics like a laptop or iPad with disastrous results. She’s smart and an avid reader but is practically a Luddite. She barely uses the cell phone. I got her the GrandPad a couple of years ago when I read about its features and design—maybe this will work? It’s been a huge hit with her. Best part: she took ownership of it, figuring out how to use features on her own. I got it in large part because she is extremely hard of hearing and the feature allowing for typing what you are saying so she can read it in real time was a godsend. It turns out, though, that she also loves features that I didn’t think were a big deal, like the weather app and the online encyclopedia—she uses both every day. It’s very secure and the user can only have access to websites the administrator (in this case, me) authorizes. I added CNN and NPR at her request. She also figured out how to take photos and videos with it, which she posts on it for the rest of us to see and comment on; we can also post pics and videos. It’s been especially nice to have during the pandemic—it’s helped a lot with keeping her connected to her family. I highly recommend it; it’s worth trying even if your family member typically struggles with electronics.