Way to video chat when elderly parents have no internet?

[oopslateagain]

At the start of lockdown last year I put a SIM into an old iPhone we had and gave it to mum and dad so we could video chat on Whatsapp. They have never had a computer or a smartphone and it was a nightmare. Every time it went wrong I had to try to troubleshoot over the landline - and this is with people who literally don't know what a 'Home' key is. The phone completely died after about two months and we all gave up.

We've been managing with phone calls, but it would be really nice to be able to speak face to face, even after lockdown ends.

Is there anything we could use for just video chatting, it would need to have a SIM data plan as they don't have any internet hooked up at all. They really don't cope well with technology, they both have the most basic possible mobiles without touchscreens and even those are a bit beyond them.

I know it sounds daft, but I wonder if their home phone contract would be the same price if they did have broadband? We put broadband in my mums house for the same price as her long standing contract. The only thing she uses is her Alexa to ask questions and play the radio. But we can use it when we visit.

Then you could get a cheap tablet for WA calls or similar?

That's actually not a bad idea, she thinks my Alexa is the bees knees (but I've never persuaded her to actually interact with it). A really cheap tablet would be ideal, I could take literally everything except Whatsapp off it so there would be nothing confusing on there.

If you install WiFi a Facebook Portal has Alexa built in and let's you do video calling using FaceBook Messenger without all the other confusing apps.

I think you can now get an Alexa with a screen. Not sure if you can video chat with it though. If so might be an idea.

Actually the Facebook portal also lets you video call using WhatsApp.

Not sure any of the Alexas have built in cameras, so note suitable for video calling.

Portal can be hooked into the telly but still needs Wi-fi, if you could persuade them to get Wi-fi?

Something like an echo show might be more user friendly than a tablet because you can call just using voice controls.
www.tomsguide.com/uk/news/how-to-make-a-video-call-using-the-echo-show
Would have to get WiFi set up though.

I was looking at Portal just now, but I think they would need a facebook account to set it up? I know my Dad would just do a huge Nope if I mentioned that. They're very stuck in their ways and unfortunately believe every horror story about the evils of the internet.

@Nookable thanks for that, I hadn't realised Echo had a video option. That's a real possibility if I can persuade them to get broadband.

@oopslateagain

I was looking at Portal just now, but I think they would need a facebook account to set it up? I know my Dad would just do a huge Nope if I mentioned that. They're very stuck in their ways and unfortunately believe every horror story about the evils of the internet.

I don't think you need a Facebook account, you can use a WhatsApp account instead:

portal.facebook.com/gb/help/2161647907441438/

The Komp.

Www.noisolation.com

It’s one way; you can call them but they can’t call you. Totally simple, they sit passively while your call comes through. No buttons for them to push.

You’d need WiFi but maybe you can talk to their phone provider.

Oh just checked and they do an optional built- in 4G SIM with unlimited internet !

Social services sometimes can install WiFi and give help with a device. I know my godmother who owns her own house was helped out in such a way and it's been an absolute godsend to her she has gone from being scared of the concept of owning a microwave to being able to research the tudors and join local history groups

You can often get WiFi as part of your phone package. Then get a simple tablet or maybe even something like this:
www.myhomehelper.co.uk/home/home.aspx

You can get Android tablets that take a SIM if their mobile reception is good.

Can recommend Echo Show. My mum total technophobe (would never learn to use phone or tablet) but uses it to talk with my brother in the US. She also asks it questions, eg crossword clues.