Blog

Some days, caregiving feels like a long list of tasks and worries, and it can be easy to forget that both we and our loved ones still need joy, laughter, and simple fun. When you are helping someone who spends much of their time at home, boredom and loneliness can sit very heavily on both of you. Bringing in a bit of gentle technology can feel scary at first, especially if screens have always seemed confusing, but it can also open doors to music, stories, games, and connections that brighten the day.

For a quick answer: tablets can be a kind, low-pressure way to bring entertainment, connection, and mental stimulation into the home for older adults and people with disabilities. The best approach is to choose a simple tablet with a clear screen, set it up for safety and ease of use, and install a small, thoughtful collection of apps for music, videos, brain games, reading, and social connection. When we introduce things slowly, sit beside the person as they learn, and keep everything one or two taps away, tablets stop feeling like “tech” and start feeling like a window to fun.

Starting with the person, not the device

Before we pick any tablet or download any app, it helps to slow down and ask: “What would feel like fun or comforting for this person?”

When we match the tech to the person, rather than trying to fit the person into the tech, everything feels gentler and safer.

Here are some questions you might reflect on, maybe even out loud with your loved one:

• Do they enjoy music, stories, puzzles, or looking at old photos?
• Is their vision limited, or do they need large text and strong contrast?
• Are their hands steady enough to tap small icons, or do they need big buttons and simple screens?
• Do they like learning new things, or do they feel anxious when something “goes wrong” on a device?
• What time of day do they seem most alert and interested in activities?

It can also help to ask what they used to enjoy, even many years ago. A person who once loved traveling might enjoy watching gentle travel videos. Someone who adored music might find comfort in playlists from their teen years. A person who liked board games may enjoy simple tablet versions of solitaire or word games.

Choosing a tablet that will not overwhelm

A tablet does not have to be expensive or complicated to bring joy. In many homes, the easiest path is a device that is already familiar to other family members, because that makes support simpler.

The “right” tablet is the one that feels comfortable to hold, easy to see, and does not make the user feel rushed or confused.

Key things to look for in a tablet for entertainment

• Screen size: Around 9 to 11 inches is often a sweet spot. Smaller screens can be hard to see, very large screens can feel heavy.
• Weight and grip: Light enough to hold, or able to rest in a stand. A non-slip case can prevent drops.
• Battery life: Long enough that you are not always hunting for a charger, especially for people with limited mobility.
• Sound: Clear enough for mild hearing loss. Option for headphones if the environment is noisy.
• Simple operating system: Familiar systems such as iPad (Apple) or Android tablets tend to have many accessibility features.
• Wi-Fi only vs data: Wi-Fi only is often enough at home and keeps costs lower.

To help you compare, here is a simple table with common options that many caregivers find manageable.

If cost is a worry, older models can still work nicely for music, simple games, and video calls. Just check that the latest common apps (such as YouTube, Spotify, or popular brain game apps) still support that version.

Setting the tablet up for calm, not chaos

The first setup can feel intimidating, but a bit of planning can protect your loved one from pop-up ads, confusing notifications, and accidental purchases.

Think of setup as arranging a quiet, cozy corner of the internet, rather than opening a doorway to everything.

Basic safety and privacy steps

• Create a simple main account: Use an email that you or another trusted person can access to handle passwords and security codes.
• Turn off unnecessary notifications: Silence most alerts from apps, especially news, promotions, and games that buzz often.
• Protect from accidental spending: Set a password requirement for any purchases in the app store. On some tablets, you can turn off purchases completely.
• Use a lock screen that is not stressful: A simple, short PIN or pattern might be easier than a complex password. Some caregivers choose to turn off the lock screen for someone with severe memory issues, but only if the home is safe and the tablet does not leave the house.
• Check privacy settings in each app: For social or video apps, limit who can contact or follow the user.

Making the home screen friendly

The home screen is the first thing your loved one will see, so it helps to keep it steady and uncluttered.

• Place the most used apps (music, favorite game, video calling) in a row near the bottom or center, where they are easy to tap.
• Remove or hide apps they will never need, such as email, settings, or online stores.
• Use large, high-contrast backgrounds so icons stand out.
• If the system allows it, turn on “simple mode” or “easy mode” with larger icons and text.

You might want to add a photo background that is meaningful: a family picture, a calm nature scene, or a pet. Try to avoid very busy images that make icons hard to see.

Accessibility settings that support comfort

Both iPads and Android tablets have built-in tools for people with limited vision, hearing, or dexterity. Spending a little time here can make a big difference.

• Text size: Increase font size and bold text for menus and apps that support it.
• Display: Adjust brightness, and, if needed, use high contrast or color filters for certain visual difficulties.
• Touch settings: On some tablets you can slow down the response, reduce the need for double taps, and ignore accidental touches along the edges.
• Voice support: Options like “Speak screen” or “TalkBack” can read labels or text out loud.
• Hearing support: Balance channels for hearing aids, increase overall volume limits, and add captions in video apps.

If you feel overwhelmed by settings, remember that you do not need to get everything perfect on the first day. You can adjust slowly as you notice what the person struggles with.

Building a “just enough” app collection for fun

It can be tempting to install many apps at once, but that can leave the home screen crowded and confusing. A calmer approach is to choose a handful of categories, and within each one install only one or two apps to start.

1. Music and audio: comfort at a tap

Music often reaches people when conversation feels hard. It can lift mood, awaken memories, and help with sleep.

• Streaming apps: Some popular apps let you search for songs, decades, or moods and create playlists. Many have free versions with ads, and paid versions without ads.
• Internet radio: Radio-style apps let you choose a genre or decade and then play a mix.
• Ambient sound apps: Soothing nature sounds, white noise, or soft instrumental music for rest.
• Audiobooks and podcasts: Storytelling or gentle talk shows can be a lovely companion for those who cannot read easily anymore.

For someone with memory loss or limited tech comfort, you might create two or three clear playlists with names like “Morning energy,” “Quiet afternoon,” “Old favorites.” Then place the music app icon in a very obvious spot and teach a simple routine: “Tap the round green app, then tap the big picture that says ‘Old favorites’.”

2. Video and TV: watching without frustration

Video can bring travel, concerts, documentaries, and comedy into a small room. It can also be overwhelming if you are flooded with suggestions.

• Video streaming apps: Services that offer movies, series, and documentaries. You can save specific shows to a “My List” section, so the person does not need to search.
• Short video platforms: Good for quick, light clips, but some feeds can be too fast or distracting for anxious users.
• YouTube-style apps: A huge range of free content, including gentle exercise, faith services, music performances, and nature scenes.

You might subscribe the person to a few calming channels: travel walks, classic TV clips, nature sounds, or cooking shows. Then add those to the home page or “Library” so that one or two taps bring them to familiar content.

For older adults who grew up with television, it can feel restful to say, “This tablet is like a TV where we have recorded only your favorite shows.”

3. Brain games and gentle challenges

Well-chosen games can support focus, problem solving, and memory, but also simply pass the time in a pleasant way. The goal is not “training” or “improvement”; the aim is enjoyment and confidence.

• Classic games: Solitaire, checkers, chess (with easy levels), and bingo-style apps can feel familiar.
• Word games: Word search, crosswords, and simple building-word-from-letters apps work well for language lovers.
• Puzzle and matching games: Matching tiles, simple jigsaw puzzles with large pieces, and connect-the-dots apps.
• Memory and focus apps: Some apps are marketed for brain health; choose ones with clean screens and no aggressive reminders.

If a game causes sighs, swearing, or tears, it is the wrong game, no matter how “good for the brain” it claims to be.

When you test apps, look for:

• Clear instructions, often with a short tutorial.
• Levels of difficulty that can start very easy.
• Minimal ads, or a one-time paid version to remove ads.
• Large buttons and uncluttered screens.

You might sit together and try a few, then remove the ones that did not feel pleasant. It is very reassuring for someone to notice that it is safe to “give up” an app that does not suit them.

4. Reading and visual enjoyment

For people who love stories or magazines, a tablet can be a gentle reading companion, especially when you adjust text size and screen brightness.

• E-book readers: Apps from major bookstores or libraries that let you borrow or buy e-books and audiobooks.
• Font and layout: Many reading apps allow large fonts, color themes, and line spacing adjustments.
• Magazines: Digital magazine services offer colorful pages that can be zoomed in.
• Image-based apps: Photography, art, or nature apps for “visual browsing” when reading text is tiring.

For someone with very low vision, audiobooks might be better than straining to read large text. Some people like to listen while following the words with their eyes, using a high-contrast theme.

5. Memory support and meaningful engagement for dementia

For people living with dementia, tablets can offer more than distraction. They can host small but powerful tools for connection.

• Photo albums: Apps that let you create simple albums with pictures of family, pets, familiar places, and labels such as “Anna, daughter” or “Our old house.”
• Reminiscence apps: Some tools provide collections of old photos, advertisements, or songs from different decades to spark conversation.
• Simple cause-and-effect apps: Tapping the screen produces gentle animations, sounds, or music, which can be soothing for late-stage dementia.
• Routine reminder apps: For early-stage dementia, gentle reminders for medications or appointments can support independence.

You might use the tablet at regular times, such as after breakfast, as a “memory visit”: open a photo album, touch each picture, and tell or invite short stories.

6. Social connection and video calls

Being able to see the faces of grandchildren, siblings, or old neighbors can ease loneliness. Tablets are often better for this than phones, because the screen is larger and easier to hold.

• Video call apps: Choose one or two platforms that your family already uses, such as Zoom, FaceTime, or WhatsApp.
• Simple contact lists: Create a contact for each key person with a clear name and perhaps an emoji or photo to recognize them.
• Pre-scheduled calls: Agree on regular times so that your loved one can anticipate a call, instead of feeling surprised.

If the person struggles to place calls on their own, a caregiver can start the call and then hand them the tablet. Some families also use smart displays that can receive video calls with very few actions needed from the older adult.

Designing the physical setup for comfort and safety

How and where the person uses the tablet affects their body, their mood, and their ability to enjoy what is on the screen.

Positioning the tablet

• Use a stand: A simple stand or case with a built-in prop helps keep necks from bending and hands from straining.
• Eye level: Try to keep the screen close to eye height, especially if sessions will last longer than 10 or 15 minutes.
• Avoid glare: Place the person so that bright windows or lamps are not directly behind or in front of the screen.

If someone uses a wheelchair or hospital bed, there are adjustable arms and mounts that can hold tablets securely. These can be a relief for people with weakness or tremors.

Supporting hands and fingers

Touchscreens can be tiring if hands shake or muscles are weak.

• Use a stylus with a thick grip for people who find tapping with fingers difficult.
• Turn on touch accommodations if there are many accidental taps.
• Set the tablet so that the person does not need to hold it while tapping; resting it on a table or tray is often easier.

When the body is supported, the brain has more energy left for enjoyment.

Co-learning: teaching gently and learning together

Many older adults tell us, “I am just not good with technology.” Often this reflects past experiences where things went wrong and no one had the patience to help. We can shift that story by introducing the tablet as something you will explore together.

Creating a non-judgmental learning space

You might say:

• “We are going to try this together, and if we do not like it, we can stop.”
• “There is nothing you can break here. If it acts strange, we can always press the home button.”
• “If you forget, that is all right. We can review as many times as needed.”

Keep early sessions short and end them on a positive note. Celebrate small successes like, “You opened your music all by yourself.”

Using routines instead of long instructions

Long, multi-step explanations are hard to remember, especially for someone with memory or attention difficulties. It often helps to build small routines and repeat them.

For example:

You can even write these routines on a card with simple words or sketches and tape it near the charging station.

Managing screen time kindly

Many caregivers worry that a tablet will “take over” or that a loved one will stop moving or talking if they have constant access. This can happen, especially if the person feels lonely or if the content is very stimulating. The answer is not to remove the tablet, but to give it a clear role in the day.

Setting gentle boundaries

• Use the tablet at certain times: during quiet afternoons, before bed with calm content, or during long waiting periods.
• Mix tech activities with off-screen ones: a puzzle, a walk, or a chat over tea.
• Watch for signs of overstimulation such as irritability, trouble sleeping, or difficulty shifting attention away from the screen.

The goal is not constant entertainment, but steady access to small joys throughout the day.

If a person becomes fixed on certain intense videos or games, you might need to adjust the apps installed, remove autoplay features that keep playing new videos, or change settings to block specific channels.

Including tablets in the wider caregiving circle

We often think of tablets as private, individual devices. In caregiving settings, they can also become a shared tool that helps family, friends, and professionals support the person.

How family and friends can join in

You might invite others to:

• Record short video messages that you store on the tablet for the person to watch anytime.
• Create shared photo albums that update as new pictures are added.
• Host scheduled video “story hours” where a grandchild reads a book or shares a craft.

Remind family members to speak slowly and clearly during video calls, and to accept that calls might be shorter or more one-sided, especially with dementia or hearing issues.

In care facilities and group homes

If your loved one lives in a care home, you can ask staff about how tablets are handled:

• Is there Wi-Fi available and stable?
• Where will the tablet be stored and charged?
• Are there staff members who can help start video calls or open certain apps?

Some homes already have shared tablets with games, music, and connection tools. If so, you can ask if your family member can have personalized playlists or photo albums added that reflect their history and interests.

Balancing entertainment with safety and values

Entertainment apps often encourage constant engagement. For someone vulnerable, this can lead to confusing or unsuitable content. It is all right to be cautious and to set clear boundaries.

Limiting exposure to harmful or distressing content

Many tablets allow you to:

• Enable parental controls that block violent or explicit content.
• Set content ratings appropriate to the person, such as “family friendly” or “general audience only.”
• Turn off autoplay and personalized recommendations in video apps, so the person stays within pre-chosen videos.

If your loved one is sensitive to news, consider turning off news notifications and removing constant news apps. Repeated exposure to distressing headlines can heighten anxiety and confusion.

Preventing online exploitation

Older adults and people with cognitive impairment are at higher risk for scams. For entertainment use, you might:

• Avoid web browsers on the main screen, or hide them in a folder only you know about.
• Disable pop-up windows where possible.
• Keep stored payment methods off the tablet, or locked behind your password.
• Explain in simple language: “If any box asks for money or says you won a prize, do not press anything. Call me instead.”

Checking the tablet once a week for new unfamiliar apps or strange messages can help you catch problems early.

Adapting over time as needs change

Care needs and abilities change, sometimes slowly, sometimes quickly. The tablet can travel with the person along this path, but the way it is used may need adjustments.

Early stages: learning and choice

When someone is fairly independent, the focus might be on:

• Teaching them how to open and close apps.
• Letting them choose which games and music they prefer.
• Encouraging them to contact friends and family through video or messages.

You might allow more open access to app stores and customization, with gentle reminders about safety.

Middle stages: simplifying and guiding

As memory, judgment, or movement changes, you may:

• Reduce the number of apps installed.
• Place only the safest, most calming options on the home screen.
• Begin sessions together more often, then stay nearby in case confusion arises.

Some caregivers choose to lock down settings or use special launchers that keep the home screen very simple.

Later stages: shared and sensory use

In advanced dementia or severe illness, the tablet may become a tool for shared moments rather than independent use.

• You might hold the tablet and guide the experience, such as playing favorite hymns or looping family photos.
• Simple cause-and-effect apps with gentle music and colors can soothe.
• Short videos of familiar places, pets, or children can bring comfort even if words are no longer easily understood.

Even when words fade, the right song, face, or image on a screen can still touch something deep inside.

Practical tips for keeping everything running

Technology that freezes, dies, or constantly updates is frustrating for everyone. A basic routine can keep the tablet ready.

Charging and storage habits

• Choose a specific location where the tablet is stored and charged overnight.
• Use a short label with the word “Charge” at that spot, so other helpers know where to return it.
• If possible, use a brightly colored cable to make it easy to see and avoid tripping.

If your loved one is prone to wandering or misplacing items, consider a case with a handle or strap and a clear name label.

Updating without causing stress

If your loved one becomes upset when icons move or change color after updates, you might need to reassure them and re-orient them calmly, repeating familiar routines.

When tablets are not the right fit

Sometimes, even when we try our best, a person remains frightened, overwhelmed, or uninterested in tablets. It is honest and loving to admit that not every tool fits every person.

You might notice that:

• They grow more agitated or withdrawn after tablet use.
• They persistently think the people on the screen are in the room.
• They become preoccupied with upsetting online content, even with safeguards.

In these cases, it can be kinder to reduce use or pause it for a time, and rely more on physical activities, printed photo albums, radio, or DVD players.

Technology is just one instrument in our caregiving toolbox. The heart of care remains our presence, our listening, and our shared moments of simple joy.

When tablets do help, they become quiet companions: a song at bedtime, a puzzle in the afternoon, a grandchild’s smiling face on a rainy day. With patience and thoughtful choices, “tech for fun” can feel less like a challenge and more like a gentle extension of the care and connection that already live in your home.