Video calling with someone experiencing cognitive decline serves an important, primarily social and emotional function, complemented by practical benefits for care. It serves as a crucial tool for maintaining the connection between your loved one and those closest to them, even when physical visits are not possible. Seeing a loved one’s face, smile, and nonverbal communication can provide greater reassurance and stimulate recognition than a phone call alone.
It offers a way to increase social interaction and stimulation, which helps counteract feelings of loneliness and apathy.
Family members who live far away can still be “present” during everyday moments (e.g., meals, activities), which makes both your loved one and the family feel good. Seeing a familiar face can bring back memories. Family photos or objects from the caller’s environment can be shown to support the conversation. It helps your loved one to continue using their communication skills.
For caregivers and family members who are unable to visit daily, video calls offer reassurance and insight. Family members can quickly and visually assess how your loved one is doing (their mood, surroundings, or whether they look well cared for), which provides more information than a regular phone call.
1. Call at fixed, recognizable times. Routine provides peace of mind and helps them learn to recognize the activity.
2. Keep conversations short (often no longer than 10-15 minutes) and focus on one or two topics to avoid overstimulation.
A video call can be started with the remote control. Your loved one does not have to do anything. Unlimited video calls can be made at no additional cost.
The remote control also has special functions to assist your loved one with getting dressed or taking medication during a video call.
