KIT has been placing computers in senior care homes for use by the residents on a trial basis. KIT’s corps of volunteers provide equipment set-up, training to the seniors and “high touch” customer care. KIT’s computers are high performing desktop machines with touch-screen, fingerprint reader, large format keyboard, and basic email service and Internet access. KIT’s intent is to reach a broader client base by expanding the capabilities of the computers, improving usability and enhancing security. After evaluating several options, KIT embraced BigScreenLive for their future initiatives and have made it their “standard.”

On September 7, 2009, KIT began to launch a series of 30 day pilot schemes in three Care Homes (with a total of 180 residents) and in a sheltered housing scheme with 220 residents. The results have been very positive – with excellent feedback from residents, family members and the care home staff. One of BigScreenLive’s founders and current directors, Cayce Roy, was in the UK recently on other business, but had the opportunity to meet KIT’s leaders. Given the motivation of the KIT leadership, the impact they have already made in a short period, and the potential they believe exists in the UK, Cayce described the experience as “inspiring.”

BigScreenLive and KIT are now formulating plans for a large scale rollout across care homes in the UK. Under this program, BigScreenLive will release a “localized” version of its software-as-a-service product for use exclusively in the UK — with British terminology, local news, validated British Internet sites, etc. The prospects for BigScreenLive to rapidly secure a significant new base of paying customers in the UK is extremely exciting.

Orlov predicts online seniors will increase from 13.7 million to 25.9 million by 2013. BigScreenLive’s platform provides a simple way for seniors and their families to use PCs for communication and engagement.

BigScreenLive’s simple and affordable solution is available for no-obligation free trial today.

BigScreenLive includes simple email in an easy-to-use interface.

She encourages the industry to get technology into the hands of seniors and thereby get them more engaged and active.

Some seniors use BigScreenLive on a computer they have in their room or apartment.
Some seniors enjoy using BigScreenLive in a library or computer room setting. We can install the software on these shared computers or each senior can have their own ‘BigScreenLive to Go’ stick which they can insert in any computer. Click here to learn more about BigScreenLive to Go

We are also trialing BigScreenLive with seniors who have cognitive challenges and need nursing or counselor help to use the computer. Staff find it easy to help the senior because the software is very easy to learn to use.

BigScreenLive also provides tools to help centers connect with the seniors in their community. A special ‘Community’ area within BigScreenLive is used to share meal menus, community events and outings, photo albums, newsletters, and notices. Since the senior’s family can also see the community area in the Friends and Family portal, BigScreenLive helps centers to engage with families.

BigScreenLive can run on any computer, but it is also specially designed to work with a touch screen. Using a touch screen makes it easier for seniors to navigate BigScreenLive and is especially helpful when a staff member is using the product with a senior. We can help you source touch screens or find a computer with a touch screen built in.

Senior members get an email address and use the BigScreenLive software. Family members get free accounts (but no email address) and can sign into the BigScreenLive Family and Friends Portal to place photos, web bookmarks, and addresses into the senior’s account.

For information about how to get started, contact us today.

Comparison of key sizes from BigKeys

For someone who is not used to the QWERTY key layout, you can reconfigure the layout to ABC! Simply set the switch on the back of the keyboard to ‘ABC’, then pull off the keycaps off the keyboard and rearrange them to ABC layout.

The keyboard is available in two versions - Black letters on white keys, and white letters on black keys. People with low vision eye conditions may find the white letters on black keys easier to see.

You can purchase the BigKeys LX keyboard on our webstore.

The problem is Seniors are left out of this digital family room because they’re not using computers. This is where our product can help bring families together by making it easier for extended families to connect with their seniors.