Mom's mostly independent, but has never been real comfortable with technology. I've been working on this problem for years and I finally have a solution. (Thank you for all the suggestions in this forum and others, with which I have pieced this together). We programed a simple TV remote that just allows her to turn to TV on/off and adjust the volume.
First, we had an internet connection installed in her house. Next, I installed a Windows laptop with YoutubeTV on it with a monthly subscription and attached it to the television with an HDMI cable. I remotely control that laptop from my home laptop using Google Remote Desktop (free!).
So now mom has her shows available 24/7. When she turns the television on it has a show running. She's not very particular, but if she is I can just go to my computer and bring up whatever she wants. When she's done watching, she simply turns off the television. We still visit, of course, but the television is no longer a primary issue.
Not 100% necessary, but I also added a webcam that points at the television so I can look at that to make sure it is working. Side note, I also installed Ring cameras around the outside of the house to see who is arriving and note if she leaves.
My question for all of you is how I can make this readily available for other people and how badly is it needed? I have experienced many of the same issues you have with elder care and this is just a small issue compared to all the emotional ones, but as caregivers to our parents I've found every added request, no matter how small, can add to the load.
As a computer nerd and a teacher, I feel a responsibility to share this solution with others. I can spend weekends and holidays helping people do this, but I'd like to get a sense of the need for it. Also, it's not inexpensive. My mom's internet is about $100/month, YouTubeTV is about $65/month, the laptop was $650, my laptop was $650, the webcam was $50, and the Ring cameras were three for $250 and a $10/month subscription. I spent about 20 hours installing everything.
Would you use this service? Do you know someone else who would?
Thanks!
if this is a business venture for you, this post should be approved by Aging Care administrators.
I would like to pay less than $100 upfront (since it would have to be a gift), have no monthly fees, and it should work with available wifi, and existing smartphone and Alexa devices.
I have had some luck with the logitech harmony that I picked up last Prime Day, but it is clunky. It doesn't tolerate having the base accidentally moved, the smartphone app doesn't arrange the remote control keys like the original remote, and it has forgotten one of its routines. Voice commands for Alexa are not intuitive. I did not deem it reliable enough to make a good gift to the intended recipient, but occasionally use it at home.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01JHQZSHW
I am not a YouTube TV subscriber, so switching providers would be a major pain point for me as I had to confirm what desired content was still available and suggest substitutes for all that was lost.
What we don't have is the ability to control the tv remotely. For that, I think I would like to pay no more than a few hundred dollars upfront and little or no monthly fee thereafter.
I am sure your $650 laptop is a good one and is worth that price but that price is outside my budget. Last year I bought a new laptop for $300 and I have been using for work and personal use. It has everything I need. I also just bought a new Chromebook for less than $200 as a Xmas gift for a relative to watch YouTube shows and access social media.
I don't mean to discourage you on your efforts to reach out and offer your service. Im sure there is a need for it. I think it's wonderful that you're doing it. I just want to point out that the costs you listed are more than what I would pay.