Computer/tablet help

[Soncat2019]

Hi everyone, I’m very new to this group and it looks really helpful already. I’m hoping for a bit of advice/guidance on a replacement for my Dad’s fairly old Mac computer. My Dad uses his computer daily for news/old YouTube videos/music etc and it’s an absolute lifeline for him. He’s struggling to use this now & so we thought maybe a tablet would be better. Does anyone have experience of this and, if so, which they would recommend. (Currently thinking a large iPad but I don’t know if touch screens are difficult to manage). Thanks in advance for your help, Sophie x

[Hidden]

Larry hasn’t used his iPad in a few years. it depends what stage your father is at. Could he still see the tablet looking down? Getting the eyes to look down becomes a problem eventually.

If he can still function with an iPad there are audio library books to be had. I was downloading them for Larry when he could still manage to use the iPad.

[enjoysalud]

The sadest thing (among many) was my son losing the use of his desktop. I then got him a laptop thinking he could bring it closer or further from his eyes.

Like Jeff166 mentioned,

audio books took the computer's place.......

The pad was out because it took finger dexterity.

Aftrr two bouts of aspiration pnuemonia he came close to losing his vision......that meant no joy from TV.

PSP takes away the joys that give LIFE it's meaning......sight, speech, mobility, swallowing.......independence.

[messier]

I replaced my mother's desktop with a touch sensitive laptop but she's already not using it much as she struggles to get to the desk it's on and she's really struggling with how differently it works from the old one. Learning new things seems to be a problem with CBD. She tends to use her smartphone for emails although her typing has got really bad!

[Tippyleaf]

Everyone is different but when my hubby could no longer manage his big desktop screen with large font and raised keyboard we tried a tablet without success. Finger movements were just not precise enough and he tired from holding it upright ( he had no downward gaze) I mounted the IPad on a stand but he would accidentally push stand over as he was trying to use.

We resorted to me reading out his emails and he would dictate a reply - I read the newspaper aloud and he watched/ listened to TV and audio books.

But everyone is different and stages vary so your husband may manage a tablet for some time

Love Tippy

[Soncat2019 in reply to Tippyleaf]

Thank you for taking the time to reply, your comments are really helpful. I guess it’s constantly just trying to see what works at each stage xx

[Railfan]

I find it a bit difficult to use the computer on my desk, though I still like the dual screens I set up to write music with (don't do that anymore either... Apathy...). What currently works for me is a laptop on one of those height adjustable trays that are used bedside in hospitals. I can roll it around and move it to a good height for my eyes no matter where I am sitting.

I also use a height adjustable, wide base, swing arm stand for my tablet. It's not on wheels because of having to push on the screen would send it rolling and possibly scare my dog!

I am finding I can still use both but like the tablet because I only need one finger most times. I use an Android tablet and have for years, so it's second nature for me.

[Soncat2019 in reply to Railfan]

Thank you for this. I’ve been thinking of a stand for my Dad’s kindle, will investigate. Thank you xx

[katras]

I have Psp diagnosed May, 2017. I have a mini apple iPad that I use all day long. My eyes are not affected from Psp I must add. I use the iPad to text children, siblings, watch videos, do puzzles, order on Amazon & minimal banking. I don’t know what I would do without it.

Kathy

[doglington in reply to katras]

That's so good to hear. Chris so missed reading. The loss of eye coordination was devastating in it's impact on his quality of life. Long may it continue.

Love Jean xx

[katras in reply to doglington]

Thank you, Jean

[racinlady]

Sophie,

It makes me sad to say this, but I think you should save your money. If your dad is struggling to use the computer he's familiar with, a new one will be harder. I doubt a touchpad is better with PSP because of the slowed movement most patients encounter. My husband could press on a key, but he couldn't lift his finger off of the key fast enough to avoid multiple characters. These problems don't get better in time with PSP. Your best bet is to switch to audio as these problems worsen. This is another sad result with a PSP/CBD diagnosis.

One other thought. You can adjust the keyboard sensitivity on a Mac which might help some. Set it on the slowest settings. It may help for awhile.

Pat

[Soncat2019 in reply to racinlady]

Thanks so much for this. This is exactly the same with my Dad even with an adjusted keyboard. He’s already using a kindle and audio books, but it’s the internet for YouTube/news that he loves. I’ll look into the settings etc, that’s so helpful. Thank you xx

[Railfan in reply to Soncat2019]

For the internet, only a computer or tablet type device will do. However, I watch hours of YouTube videos on my Roku devices. Or, if you can afford it, a Roku TV would have it.

[Soncat2019]

Thank you all for your incredibly helpful comments and tips. This is a wonderful group and resource! Xx

[Bellaismydog]

My 94 year old father who was s quite healthy apart from macular degeneration prefers the iPad.

[Bellaismydog]

* is quite healthy