New learning is not possible with dementia. Now if you gave her a 1940's radio with knobs that turn, she might remember that quite well. Same with cell phones; mom never got the hang of it. We got her a 1970's vintage telephone and she could handle that just fine.
It may be more than she can handle. My parents are mid 80s dad has dementia but moms mind is still good but I can't even see her navigating on a tablet much less dad who can hardly use a cell phone. My dad was quite the elder computer hacker till about 5 years ago. We finally cancelled the wireless service because he can't even log on now.
If your mom is still with it digitally there are things for elders out there. You'll get some ideas from others here but just do some googling and you'll find lots of stuff. I looked around awhile back but couldn't find anything my folks could handle.
Brenda, does your Mom still use a desk top computer? If so, then yes get her an iPad. If not, it would be just a waste of money and very frustrating for her to learn.
I am pushing 70 years old, still have a clear mind [most of the time] and I don't even have an iPad nor a Smartphone or an Xbox. I am from the KISS generation.... Keep It Simple :)
Windy, my Dad was also quite the computer hacker, he use to write code for his own software, but all that stopped within the past few years. Now Dad can barely get into his email without messing up the passwords :(
I would like to thank all of your for your answers to my questions. They were all very helpful. I think I will look for something else. The fact my mom has never been computer savvy.
What were her skills and interest when she was younger and/or working? I've found that the life time interests are the ones which remain longer while the techno-gadgets not only can be confusing, they don't fall into the category of necessary things, especially if the elder has had Depression Era experience.
We had an iPad that I loaded some favorite movies on for Mom. The problem we had was that she kept touching the screen so we would need to restart the movies over and over and over. Very frustrating for everybody.
I would try a smart tv instead, you set it up for her to watch, and no problem with inadverent screen touches.
Send, who the heck is Leo LaPorte? Today I bought a BOSE system to replace two that I lost in the fire, and how many cd's is anybody's guess. So, this system, I hope will make it easier. It came in a smallish box, 18"x10"x15" or so. It will play cd's and am/fm radio (very important for me) and will connect wirelessly to the internet to stream from any number of services. This will be very interesting!
I am a technology idiot, I know enough to get me in trouble. This system should teach me some new tricks, though.
FF. I believe the Roku box is a substitute for cable. You can download or stream various movies, but you don't have the benefit of the range of programs cable offers, like 500 sports channels and no opera channels. Who could possibly want Roku selections when you can have so many sports channels and spend your entire day watching sports?
I think Chromebook is just another brand of computer.
If your mom is still with it digitally there are things for elders out there. You'll get some ideas from others here but just do some googling and you'll find lots of stuff. I looked around awhile back but couldn't find anything my folks could handle.
I am pushing 70 years old, still have a clear mind [most of the time] and I don't even have an iPad nor a Smartphone or an Xbox. I am from the KISS generation.... Keep It Simple :)
Windy, my Dad was also quite the computer hacker, he use to write code for his own software, but all that stopped within the past few years. Now Dad can barely get into his email without messing up the passwords :(
I would try a smart tv instead, you set it up for her to watch, and no problem with inadverent screen touches.
I am a technology idiot, I know enough to get me in trouble. This system should teach me some new tricks, though.
I think Chromebook is just another brand of computer.
See All Answers