Choosing a tablet for a senior parent

A tablet can be the easiest way for a parent to video call, read, look at photos and browse, without the fiddliness of a small phone or a computer. The right choice depends less on the specs and more on who will be helping.

Start with one question: what does the family use?

If you, the person most likely to help, use an iPhone, an iPad is usually the easiest choice. You’ll know where the settings are, FaceTime works out of the box, and photos can be shared easily. If the family is mostly on Android, an Android tablet makes the same sense. Being able to help over the phone matters more than any feature.

The three main choices

• Apple iPad: simple, reliable and supported with updates for many years. FaceTime, a clear camera, and very good accessibility settings, including Assistive Access for a simplified layout. The basic model is enough for most people.
• Android tablet (such as Samsung Galaxy Tab): a good range of sizes and prices, works well with Android phones and Google accounts, and runs WhatsApp, Zoom and Google Meet. Menus vary by brand.
• Amazon Fire tablet: usually the least expensive. Fine for reading, streaming and Alexa, but it uses Amazon’s app store, so some apps aren’t available, and the home screen pushes Amazon content. Check that the apps your parent needs are available before you buy.

Size and other choices

• Screen size: 10 to 11 inches is a good middle ground: big enough to read comfortably, light enough to hold. Larger screens are lovely for video calls and photos but get heavy.
• Wi-Fi or cellular: if your parent has Wi-Fi at home, the Wi-Fi model is enough and avoids a monthly data bill.
• Storage: the smallest size is fine for most people who mainly call, browse and read, since photos can be backed up online.

Accessories worth buying

• A case with a built-in stand, so it can sit up on a table for calls and recipes.
• A longer charging cable, so it can charge next to their chair.
• A stylus, if tapping accurately is hard because of tremor or arthritis.

Set it up before you hand it over

1. Sign in, connect to their Wi-Fi and turn on automatic updates.
2. Make text bigger and bolder. Our guide to bigger text walks through it.
3. Put only the apps they’ll use on the first screen.
4. Add family contacts and set up video calling. See video calling made simple.
5. Write a one-page large-print sheet: how to turn it on, charge it, go home, and make a call.