Keeping your distance, not going out unless it is really necessary, and nursing homes that even closed completely. No, it’s not easy this year to stay in touch with your grandpa and grandma. It is still not recommended to visit the elderly. That’s sad. Because in this uncertain time, grandfathers and grandmothers, but also fathers, mothers, and grandchildren need contact.
The good news? It is 2020. There is no shortage of modern technology. That way we don’t have to miss each other completely. With video calling, we can still see each other every day.
Okay, this is of course never as pleasant as a real visit. But many people who would otherwise sit alone, find it nice to be able to talk to others. Or to have lunch together digitally.
What do you need to make video calls?
Video calling has been very popular for years. Many parents, children, and grandparents already keep in regular contact with each other thanks to this technology. For some older people, this modern technology is more of a challenge. They often do not have a tablet or smartphone with which to do this.
Fortunately, most people have an old smartphone left over, which is still somewhere in a drawer. Old smartphones can also often make video calls.
As long as they have a front camera and can use video calling apps like Skype, WhatsApp, and Zoom. With such an old phone, your (grand)parents can still make video calls with you.
Video calling: make it as easy as possible
With video calling it is important to make it as easy as possible for the other person. Make sure the device is charged and the charger is included. Remove all old apps and only put the necessary apps to make (video) calls on the home screen.
Many older people also like to be able to read the news or the weather forecast, for example. You can also put these apps on the home screen.
Make sure you also create a new profile for the user so that he or she can use the video calling app right away. Make a test call together and make sure your contact details and those of all other family members are on the phone.
Also, think about the connection: if you equip the device with a SIM card with a Sim Only planner can you use wifi? Good to know: you don’t need a phone number to make video calls. It is therefore not a requirement to have a telephone subscription, but it is useful. That way you can also make video calls if you don’t have WiFi.
Will you send the device, for example to the nursing home where your family member lives? Then add a simple instruction for nursing. This way they can help with the first video call to you.
Don’t forget: share the new details of grandpa or grandma with your brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, and children. This way they can also contact you and grandpa or grandma only has to accept the call. How easy!
Which apps can you use for video calling?
All kinds of apps are available for making video calls for smartphones and tablets. Below are a few of the most popular and easy-to-use.
Video calling via WhatsApp is easy. It does require that the smartphone or tablet has its own SIM card. WhatsApp is always linked to a telephone number. So make sure that the device has a SIM card.
How to start a video call on WhatsApp?
- Open the WhatsApp app by tapping it.
- Tap Chats.
- Choose the one you want to call.
- Select the camera icon at the top of the screen, next to the phone call, to make a call.
- When the other person answers, the conversation starts and you can see each other.
- When the call is over, tap the red button to hang up.
FaceTime
Are you using an iPhone 4 or newer? Or an (old) iPad? Then FaceTime is the easiest way to make video calls with each other.
Note: Both users must have an iPhone, iPad, or Mac to Facetim. If one of your family members has an Android device, you can make video calls via Skype or WhatsApp.
How do you start a video call on FaceTime?
- Open the FaceTime app by tapping it.
- At the top right, you will see a ‘+’, tap on it.
- Tap “+” again and choose a name from the contact list.
- Tap the person you want to call.
- When the other person answers, the conversation starts and you can see each other.
- When the call is over, tap the red button to hang up.
Skype
Skype is a popular, easy-to-use video calling app. It is also widely used in the workplace for video conferencing, for example. It can be used on all smartphones, so for both Apple and Android devices.
Your device does not need its own SIM card, but it must be connected to a wireless network.
How do you start a video call on Skype?
- Open the Skype app by tapping it.
- Sign in with your Skype account (or set this up in advance for whoever will be using the device).
- Tap the word “contacts.”
- Choose the one you want to call from the list.
- Tap the camera symbol to make a call.
- When the other person answers, the conversation starts and you can see each other.
- When the call is over, tap the red button to hang up.
Good luck and video calling fun!
