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Just wondering if it could be any help with staying connected. It seems to have many appealing features.

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I looked at GrandPad for my mom, but decided it wouldn't work for her given her cognitive state. We're now trying a new thing called Jubilee TV that we are liking. It's similar to GrandPad but connects to her TV. You have to plug/unplug some cables from the TV to install, so be aware of that if considering.
After it was setup though, it's been good. We can add contacts via their app and then video call and send photos and messages right to her TV. She presses a button on her TV remote to answer, which she is able to manage for now. As she declines, I expect we'll use the option to start the calls automatically so she doesn't have to do anything.
The other thing that's amazing about it is we can use their app to control her TV remotely. Used to be a daily frustration for her. Wrong inputs, couldn't find her shows, etc. Now she doesn't have to do anything and we can change the channel for her. As far as I can tell there's nothing else like it. There is a monthly cost, but it's worth it to us so far.
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UPDATE: I did buy a Grand Pad for my brother and our Geriatric Care Manager tried to set it up for him but unfortunately his mental decline has accelerated and he was unable to use or appreciate the device.
I was able to return it to Amazon for the full refund.
Instead, I am now attempting to use an Alexa Echo Show. Our Care Manager set it up on his end. The Echo Show (aka "Alexa") is a voice-activated device. It sits near his bed on an end table; he doesn't touch it or handle it.
I bought one device for him (he lives in CA) and one for me (I live in MA) and it allows me to "Drop-In" on him and if he's awake we can talk and he can see me. I can also see him whether he's asleep or awake; he doesn't have to answer.
It is not ideal by any means, but it seems our best option for now.
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I got one for a lady that I helped when she went in the nursing home. It had a FaceTime type of screen and I could see her when i called. She liked the music choices as well. She could only do the games when I helped her. Sometimes she would forget to hang up and I could see what went on in her room until I hung up. The cost was $79 a month in 2022.
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Questor: Per Google - "GrandPad has an excellent rating from the Better Business Bureau and a significant amount of supportive followers on its social media platforms. There aren't any direct online reviews on top rating sites for GrandPad, but the company does have positive customer reviews on its website, as well as positive comments on its Facebook page."

Disclaimer: The above is not my authoring.

As your brother has age related decline, the GrandPad may be challenging for him. Good luck.
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I checked into it for my husband who lives at home. I had hoped it was something he could use with our regular WiFi but I would have to pay an additional fee for their WiFi service. So this is not an option for us since we need our regular WiFi for our TV, phone and ipad. I keep hoping they might someday offer the computer without the required service because I am sure he would enjoy it. It is the same way with their phones... you are limited to their network.
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My mom used one for about 4 years. It was only the last 6 months that it got difficult. It's a great device for all the reasons listed above. If you are an AARP member you get a small discount. She loved the games and music best.
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Yes, I had it for my Daddy. He could not manage the cell phone because it was too small. He loved the grandpad. Also, it saved him from giving out the wrong information to spam calls! UGH! When phone calls came in he could see who he was talking to. He could only dial the numbers that I programmed in because he couldn't remember anyones number. He forgot about the phone book. Also, it has a feature that flashes photos as a screensaver and he loved that part so he could see his kids, grand kids and great grand kids. It has a feature to use the internet but that has to be activated its not automatic. The account holder is in charge of all features. It has games and news if your loved one can still read. The screen is big enough for them to use and its all big. The customer service is great. When I had problems, they were on it! Worth the money as long as your loved one can use it. Oh and there is a 30 day return policy. My Daddy had it for over two years and I still have it. I told my daughter if I become as grandpa just call them and they will change the chip in it and it will work again. Blessings
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Questor Mar 2023
That’s good to hear! Your experience seems to validate the product advertising. I’m counting on the 30-day trial to figure out if it will work for us.
If I learn anything I’ll write about it later!
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If the person is able to use any technology it might work.
For people with dementia or even some cognitive decline it might be difficult to remember how any device works. If the person is cognizant then there should not be a problem.
Is this any different than any other "tablet" or "pad"? I did a quick look at it and there is a monthly cost.
Will be interesting to read what others say.
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Questor Mar 2023
There is a 3-month free trial period, then after that it is $57/mo for cellular service. It replaces phone service in other words, but there are no data charges. It accepts email, photos, music, videos and allows access to pre-approved websites. The contacts are all pre-approved as well, for talk, voice, video calling, and email.
Yes, it does require some cognitive ability. That’s the big question. Every one is different I know, but it may help to hear some direct experience with it.
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