Microsoft Teams is an application owned by Microsoft that allows people to video call anywhere using an Internet connection.
Teams is free to download and easy to use. You can also subscribe to call regular phones and send SMS text messages.
Setting Up Microsoft Teams for a Senior
We recommend setting up Microsoft Teams on an iPad, Android tablet, or computer for an elderly person, as mobile phone screens are small and often not as loud as other devices.
- If your parent struggles to find or recognise the Teams icon, remove all other icons from the screen and place the Teams app in an easily accessible area.
- Turn off automatic updates and unwanted alerts to reduce pop-ups and unfamiliar reminders.
- Keep the device on charge so the battery doesn’t run flat.
- Restrict the ability to change the volume in Settings.
There are other video-calling apps with similar features to Teams that you may be more familiar with. Although we strongly recommend Microsoft Teams, here’s how to make FaceTime easy for seniors and how to make WhatsApp easy for seniors.
Accessibility Options
Look in Settings for Accessibility features. We recommend:
- Larger Text Sizes – Give Teams BIG text.
- Zoom – Increase size only when needed.
- Flash for Alerts – Helpful for the hearing-impaired.
Konnekt Videophone comes with unbelievable service: personalisation, setup, and ongoing support. We handle everything — creating and managing the video-call account, sending contact invitations, delivering the device, and best of all, I.T. support. When Gran’s internet or your device has a problem, we’ve got your back.
We even help relatives and friends get set up on our video-calling app and test with them. Imagine: Your whole family happily video-calls on their mobiles and home devices, without you having to convince them or show them how!
Reduce Dementia & Depression Risk
Video calling can improve cognitive ability in older adults in as little as 6 weeks.
In addition, social isolation and loneliness is also linked to better sleep, lower blood pressure, healthier habits, lower mortality, and improved daily function — even walking. See the studies.
Video Calls Made Easy
With Konnekt, seniors can video call easily — no computer skills needed.
- UNPACK. Plug in to power. That’s all. Really!
- LARGE screen, much bigger than fiddly tablets.
- LOUD. Many elderly dislike their hearing aid.
- HUGE one-press buttons. Glasses not required.
- HIDDEN. Everything else. Super easy!
- AUTOMATIC answering of trusted contacts.
- UPDATES. Silent, overnight, automatic.
- MANAGED. Account. Subscriptions. Software.
- UNLIMITED calls. To phones, too. No surprises.
- CHANGES. We do them for you. Remotely. We have to. Australia is a long swim.