SCHUYLERVILLE, N.Y. (NEWS10) As more people get vaccinated, some are waiting until they are fully protected from the coronavirus before having face-to-face connections with loved ones. A local mans family is praising the power of technology for helping them get through the isolation of the past 12 months.<\/p>\n
John Grimes, who always seems to have a smile on his face, lives at home in Schuylerville. His children are in South Carolina while his granddaughter, Amy Cox, is in Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n
In a year where no one could see each other, Johns dementia progressed, too.<\/p>\n
Talking on the phone with him, he would seem sad, very forgetful, Amy said.<\/p>\n
So last year, Amy got her 93-year-old grandfather an iPad.<\/p>\n
Its the greatest thing I think weve done for him during this pandemic, Amy said.<\/p>\n
But it was a learning process.<\/p>\n
He cannot figure out a computer to save his life. We got him a cellphone once; he hated it.<\/p>\n
Luckily, for John, he has a caretaker from Home Instead who visits every day.<\/p>\n
Every family has been impacted by this, Maureen Hopkins with Home Instead said. Technology has been very helpful, especially if you have a caregiver a little younger who can help navigate brand new technology.<\/p>\n
Companionship through the screen providing for those human connections.<\/p>\n
One time, we were FaceTiming and showing him the house, and he was just so excited and didnt want to hang up the phone, Amy recalled.<\/p>\n
Home Instead, which provides a variety of services for seniors at home, is now helping set up vaccine appointments as well as driving clients to the appointments. <\/p>\n
Its only a matter of time until John, who can now use filters on his apps, to see everyone face-to-face.<\/p>\n
I like to do screen shots because I just like to see his smile, Amy said.<\/p>\n
Amy said they plan to see John on Easter.<\/p>\n
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Technology helps family stay connected to 93-year-old grandfather - NEWS10 ABC<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" SCHUYLERVILLE, N.Y. (NEWS10) As more people get vaccinated, some are waiting until they are fully protected from the coronavirus before having face-to-face connections with loved ones. A local mans family is praising the power of technology for helping them get through the isolation of the past 12 months. Continue reading