She needs help -new to iPhone, new to internet and old.

[RedlightGreenlight]

My neighbour is getting her first iPhone.
She's never used a smart phone, never used the internet, doesn't have an email address. She's well into her 70s and thinks she will pick it up quickly.
She's asked me to help, which I'm happy to do. But where on earth should I start?
I think I need a plan, any ideas?

Have you thought about the book dummies guide to iPhone? Very way and clear instructions and pictures. Plus she would have it to refer to when you aren’t there.
(It is a shame about the title.)
Or, work through what you do on a smart phone daily, and write a list. Use what you do daily as a guide eg switch on phone, password, how to check messages, how to make and receive a call. How to reply to messages. Email - why you need an email address, how to sign in etc etc.

Easy not way. (Oh the irony of using an iPhone and spell check)

Find out what she wants to do. No point in helping her set up Facebook if what she wants is to zoom her niece in NZ. Does she want email? She might not know the name of what she wants so even if she can describe the kind of thing to you. A screen without too many apps on it will help.
My DM used a smart phone like a good 'un in her 80s. She may surprise you!

Thanks
My dad is 83 and has all Apple gadgets and does really well. The only thing he confuses is the terminology so all messages he sends or receives on any platform he refers to as emails

She knows she needs emails but doesn't really know what they are.
I think she only wants it for COVID stuff as she sees everyone checking in and has heard that it will be good for proof of vaccines when she travels.

I'm hoping she'll let me sort it before she fiddles with it.

Does this sound like a plan?

1. Hide everything in one folder apart from phone and texts. Then she can get used to it doing the same as her Nokia brick
2. Introduce emails
3. COVID/NHS app

Then see how she is getting on. At this point iphone for dummies might be a good idea.

Thanks

Sounds like a good plan! She's lucky to have you to help out.
I would include some kind of video app (probably zoom) in case of further lockdowns , or even a potential hospital stay with visitors still restricted. It's a lot easier to teach someone to use an app remotely than to try to get them to install and register for one remotely, as I have found out!!

I think you will be fine. The fact that she wants to learn will make everything much easier.
Mil had quite advanced dementia- struggled to make a cup of tea bad. But she really wanted to learn how to use a Bluetooth connected phone with her hearing aids. We honestly thought never going to happen as it’s a lot of steps for her to remember. But because she really wanted to learn how, she did and with a few prompt notes beside her chair, continued to do so until she entered a care home. (And during a brief spell
When she forgot to get dressed properly before going out).

This is good, thank you, I'll let you know how we get on.

Oh good luck with that. DFiL got his first smartphone a year ago. He asked us what to buy."iPhone, so we can help you if you get stuck", we said. Of course he bought something his friend recommended that we'd never heard of.....

Your ideas sound sensible (hide things in folders).

Thinking back to when I upgraded and lost my home button, she might benefit from a laminated diagram and 1/2 dozen "How do I..." questions.

There are probably some good YouTube videos

This is probably a bit out of date, but has some good suggestions to make the phone more accessible:

www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.makeuseof.com/tag/iphone-for-seniors-tweaks/amp/

Strange development. My neighbour has been told by vodaphone that the contract will have to be in her husband's name as they only have a joint account. This can't be right, can it?

Bollocks. Go somewhere else. That is only potentially an issue if it's the type of joint account that requires both signatories to do anything. A standard joint account can be used for a direct debit by either party. Not impossible that hers isn't; but seems unlikely. Is she trying to buy in a store? I would just do it all online. The people in phone stores drive me crazy.

I think it's bollocks too... she just took him at his word and said that it has to be in the man's name!
She won't move from vodaphone and wants to get it in a shop. They are very very traditional.

The issue then is really whether they have an account where they can make independent decisions or one where both have to sign off. I really think it's unlikely they have the latter. I don't know if you know her well enough to ask but a quick call to the bank would answer the question.