• 23 Oct, 2025
• SendClinic
• No comment

Best Devices for Seniors Using Telehealth

Estimated read time: 7 minutes

TL;DR: A simple setup works best: a 10-inch tablet (or larger), stand, good lighting, and comfortable headphones. Add a few home health tools (upper-arm blood-pressure cuff, thermometer, pulse oximeter, scale). Turn on accessibility features (big text, captions, hearing-aid pairing), and keep everything in a telehealth basket so visits are easy.

The essentials (what you actually need)

1) A simple video device

• Best all-around: a tablet with a 10–11″ screen. Easier to hold than a laptop; bigger than a phone.
• Also fine: a laptop (built-in camera) or a smartphone (works, but small text).
• What to look for:
  • Clear front camera and loud speakers
  • Long battery life and charging cable that reaches the chair
  • Wi-Fi that stays connected (5 GHz helps if you have it)
  • Big, bright screen; easy to make text larger

2) A steady view

• Sturdy stand or case that props the device at eye level
• Optional flexible gooseneck arm if neck/shoulder movement is limited

3) Clear sound

• Over-ear headphones are easiest to hear and reduce echo
• If using hearing aids, pair by Bluetooth when possible
• Turn on captions if available during the call

4) Good lighting

• Sit facing a window or lamp; avoid bright light behind you
• A small clip-on ring light can help if the room is dim

Helpful home health tools (telehealth-friendly)

Keep these in a small basket near the chair so they’re always ready.

• Blood pressure monitor (automatic, upper-arm, correct cuff size, big display)
• Thermometer (digital)
• Pulse oximeter (reads oxygen and pulse; look for large digits)
• Weight scale (large, non-slip platform, big numbers)
• Glucose meter or CGM (if you have diabetes)
• Inhaler + spacer (for asthma/COPD)
• Pill organizer and updated medication list

Accessibility settings that make calls easier

• Bigger text & icons: increase display size; use “bold text”
• Louder audio: turn on “hearing accommodations,” enable mono audio if one ear hears better
• Captions/subtitles: system-wide or in the app
• Screen magnifier or zoom for small details
• Voice assistant to place or answer calls hands-free
• Caregiver shortcuts: simplified home screen with only the clinic app, phone, and messages

Quick picks by situation

• Low vision: larger tablet (11–13″), high-contrast theme, bold text, screen magnifier, bright front lighting
• Hearing difficulty: over-ear headphones or hearing-aid pairing, captions on, quiet room
• Hand tremor/limited grip: stand + wide “answer” button on screen; consider a stylus
• Neck/back pain: gooseneck arm so the camera sits at eye level without bending
• Memory concerns: simplified home screen, printed “Tap here to start” card next to device, caregiver’s number on speed dial

Build a “telehealth station” (5 minutes)

1. Place a chair near an outlet and Wi-Fi router (strong signal).
2. Put the tablet/laptop on a stand at eye level; plug in the charger.
3. Add your basket: BP cuff, thermometer, oximeter, pill organizer, medication list, notepad, pen, glasses, hearing aids/charger, and headphones.
4. Tape a one-page checklist to the wall (see below).

Pre-visit checklist (print this)

• Device charged and on the stand
• Wi-Fi connected; other streaming paused
• Camera & microphone allowed for the app
• Headphones/hearing aids ready; captions on if helpful
• Medication bottles/list within reach
• Today’s readings (BP, glucose, weight, oxygen, temperature)
• Top 2–3 questions written down
• Pharmacy confirmed

Troubleshooting in 30 seconds

• No sound: raise volume; unmute the little mic icon; try headphones
• They can’t see you: tap the camera icon; clean the lens; close other apps using the camera
• Choppy video: move closer to the router; ask others to pause streaming; switch to audio if needed
• Lost the link: open the patient portal → Appointments → Join

Safety & privacy basics

• Use the clinic’s official app or website only
• Don’t share passwords or full Social Security numbers on a call
• Lock screen with a passcode; sign out of the portal after visits
• Invite only trusted people into the room or video

When telehealth is not enough

You’ll still need in-person visits for vaccines, lab draws, X-rays, ECGs, Pap tests, mammograms, and procedures—or anytime symptoms are severe or sudden (chest pain, trouble breathing, one-sided weakness, heavy bleeding, new confusion). Call emergency services when needed.

How SendClinic can help

• Setup help and a quick test call if you’d like
• Same-day video visits for common concerns and refills
• Clear written instructions after each visit
• Follow-ups so nothing falls through the cracks

Educational content only. This article isn’t a substitute for medical advice. Always follow your clinician’s guidance and local emergency instructions.