"Can you see me like I can see you?"
my Grandmother asks with a quizzical look on her face.
"Yes, your face takes up my entire screen," I reply.
"And you can hear me ok?" she continues.
"Yep - as plain as day," I state. "Can you hear me ok?" I
ask.
"Well, isn't that something," she gasps. "It's like we're sitting
at the table talking."
She pauses to contemplate the possibilities and quickly realizes
the implausible.
"If only we could play cards this way," she cracks herself up and
her shoulders shake up and down as she chuckles and leans back in
her chair.
The face-to-face conversation through the computer with my
Grandma continues over the marvels of technology for a few minutes
and then moves on to her latest hair appointment. The smile doesn't
leave her face for the near 30 minutes we chat. I watch as she
leans towards the screen searching for answers to how this is
possible and she laughs as I attempt to virtually hug her through
the computer. I may not be able to see every wrinkle of her face,
but I can certainly see her smile and excitement and it's quite an
improvement from what I normally hear over the phone. All this made
possible via Skype.
I can't tell you how many times I've used Skype for business
over the past few years. Chatting instantly with colleagues and
conducting video meetings across multiple states on a weekly basis.
What was neat at first somehow became the norm. Oddly enough, the
thought of using Skype to stay more connected to my family never
crossed my mind. We try so hard to keep our work lives separate
from our family lives that some of the simplest concepts aren't
transferred over. Last week the norm was exciting all over
again.
What is Skype?
For those of you that might not know, Skype is a free
downloadable software application that allows users to chat over
the Internet via instant messaging (text), voice and video. It also
allows users to call landline and mobile phones for a fee. You can
send files and photos through the instant messaging feature and you
can add people to your call or video call to make it a conference
call. One of the latest features is screen sharing where you can
basically show the person you are speaking to what's on your
computer screen (photos etc.) with one click.
What do I need to use Skype?
All you need is a computer with a built in microphone, an
Internet connection and a web cam (if you plan on video calling).
Downloading and using the software is super simple. First,
you need to create a user name and password that you
will log into each time. After you are all set
up, you can easily search for friends by their email address
or their user name. Video demonstrations on how to use the
software are on http://www.skype.com/.
My Grandmother doesn't actually have a computer and maybe that's
why this concept never really occurred to me. But like a slap
upside the head, I realized my Dad, who lives down the street from
her, has a computer. I simply got on the phone and walked him
through the Skype download. He tested it out a few times to make
sure he knew how to use it and now my Grandmother and I have a
weekly video chat date!
If you are miles away from your loved ones and missing their
smiles, look into Skype. It's free, it's easy and it's guaranteed
to put a smile not only on their face, but yours as well. Need help
getting setup with Skype? Chicago Methodist Senior Services offers
affordable computer help for senior citizens -
contact us today!
Carrie Robertson
Research & Community Education
Chicago Skilled Nursing
Chicago Senior
Living