“Hi Dad” Phone Service
Family phone service for those having a difficult time reaching loved ones.
The Challenges
Our father lives in an assisted living facility that does not provide personal phone service. He can no longer use a cell phone because he forgets his pass code and to charge the phone.
Spam callers tried repeatedly to get sensitive information and steal credit card numbers.
We tried a landline phone but it didn’t work. Most often, dad could not get to the phone before it stopped ringing. He could not remember how to check voicemails, so he never could get any messages.
We made multiple attempts to reach him on the landline and would ultimately have to resort to calling the assisted living facility. Those calls often went unanswered due to the staff’s busy schedule.
We just wanted to know if he was OK and let him know much we love him, but we just couldn’t reach him.
THE SOLUTION: “Hi Dad”
The “Hi Dad” family phone service provides a convenient worry-free communication system that puts no burden on dad. We can speak to him if he is sitting on the couch watching TV, if he is laying in bed, or if he is in the washroom, without having him come to the phone.
Voice or video calls bring him comfort and joy. Everyone can reach him whether they are in town or out of state. “Hi Dad” works well for people who have the following challenges:
- Mobility – difficulty with getting up to answer a ringing phone
- Inability to have a cell phone due to dementia or other related issues
- Hospitalization – patients that are immobile but can converse vocally
- Rehab – patients that cannot use a cell phone due to physical injury.
“Hi Dad” Features
Instant Intercom
The “Hi Dad” family phone service allows family members to instantly start a two-way conversation with dad using their personal mobile phone. With the simple press of a button we can start an intercom call with dad using the mobile app. It’s completely secure and only those with the app can communicate with him using the intercom. The beauty is that he instantly recognizes our voices and is quick to engage. He does not have to access the phone in any way. If he is on the couch or in his bedroom he can converse using the speaker on his phone. All he has to do is speak and listen.
WiFi-Enabled Desktop Telephone
Dad has his own personal desktop phone. The phone requires internet service via a cable or WiFi connection. In dad’s case, we connect over the facility WiFi network with a built-in fail-safe to ensure that the phone stays connected to the internet.
His Cell Phone Number Came with Him
Maintaining dad’s personal relationships is important to his well being. Dad has had a single phone number for decades. All of dad’s friends know how to contact him using that number. We were able to keep his cell number intact so friends could continue to reach him.
Personal Directory at His Fingertips
Rod has a hard time remembering phone numbers, so we customized the buttons on his phone with the names of his children and loved ones. To make a call, all he has to do is push one of the named buttons. He does not have to keep a notebook of phone numbers or post sticky-notes to remember phone numbers.
Voicemail and Call Log
The family members receive recorded copies of dad’s voicemail messages in their personal email boxes. The voicemail messages come with caller ID, so we can return the call for dad or facilitate a return call with dad.
Spam Mitigation
Dad was receiving an average of 15 SPAM calls per day from telemarketers and even professional thieves. “Hi Dad” eliminates SPAM and fraudulent calls using intelligent filtering mechanisms designed to keep the service safe and secure.
Read an article from the FCC about SPAM calls
One Button Calling
The buttons on the desktop phone are programmed with names of family and close friends. To make calls, he only has to push a single button. He does not have to remember phone numbers.
Video Calling
When a camera is added to the desktop phone, video calls similar to “Face Time” can be made between the family members and dad. Seeing dad helps us to gauge if he is doing well or if he is struggling with something and needs help. It also seems to comfort dad when he can see us.
Service Management Portal
Family members can access a secure online portal where they have access to call history, voicemail messages, personal greeting set up, phone button programming, time management rules for call screening, and more.