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Tech support for an elderly friend? (lemm.ee)
submitted 2 years ago by to c/recommendations@lemmy.world
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I just spoke with a friend of mine on the phone. He’s got various tech support issues including worrying that his phone might have some malware on it.

I have the skills to help him, but I don’t have the time. Therefore I’m looking for more options.

My question is: are there services that specialize in tech support for elderly people? Maybe coming over to do tasks for them, or a place that he can go with devices?

I recommended he go to the T-Mobile store for questions about his phone’s security, but I know it can be hit or miss with the expertise of retail employees.

Does anyone know of an IT service that specializes in helping elderly/tech-non-savvy individuals?

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[–] 1 point 2 years ago

AI image == downvote.

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    [–] 1 point 4 weeks ago

    I've heard of local efforts to do that in a few places, but nothing large scale. There should be a national non-profit that does that kind of work. I provide tech support for a lot of family and friends who don't have other options and there's a lot more need out there.

    The T-Mobile Store is a good starting point. They can also try T-Mobile Support. They don't always know enough, but they try to be helpful.

    I would avoid for-profit support organizations unless you hear good things about one. Most of them are expensive and unreliable. Some are straight up dishonest.

    Some areas have city departments or non-profit organizations that act as clearing houses for "social services". A place like that may have useful suggestions for where to look.

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    [–] -1 points 2 years ago*

    Teach them to learn, bounce them between ChatGPT and Google until they figure out how to research and solve their own issues.

    If you or a service become their goto, they'll have what's known as "learned helplessness" (immediately going yo someone else with their problems)... Which you want to keep elderly people away from because it results in cognitive decline, and a lowering of their capacities.

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