Relatives supporting everyday independence
For someone who wants to make calls, keep in touch and use a few essential online services without navigating an overwhelming interface.
Who is this for?
Families setting up a supported device
For someone willing to use a touchscreen when familiar apps are arranged clearly and a trusted person can help with setup or occasional problems.
Households protecting account control
For families who want to offer practical help while the older relative remains in control of their accounts, consent and security decisions.
What matters when choosing?
Start with the services the person actually uses, then try the controls and sign-in steps together. A simpler interface helps only if the device can still handle those tasks.
Large-button phone
Consider it: When calls, texts and a few familiar contacts are the main tasks.
Trade-off: A calls-focused model may not handle the apps or authentication steps needed for online services; check the exact model.
Tablet
Consider it: When the person wants video calls or selected services on a touchscreen and can practise using a personalised layout.
Trade-off: Even a simplified layout leaves app sign-ins, connectivity and account recovery to manage.
Laptop or desktop computer
Consider it: When longer forms or documents call for a larger screen and the person can manage a keyboard, mouse or trackpad.
Trade-off: A conventional browser, multiple windows and update prompts may take more practice.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Manageable controls | Try the person’s regular tasks on the exact device. Check text size, call controls and whether the home screen can focus on recognised apps. | If unfamiliar menus make a simple task difficult to repeat, I need controls I can recognise without prompting. Around 33% of consumers put a manageable interface first. |
| Essential services | Check the required websites or apps and their camera, notification and sign-in steps on the intended setup. | To arrange appointments or use banking myself, I need the services I rely on to work without handing over each decision. Around 27% of consumers prioritise independent access to those tasks. |
| Help and privacy | Agree who may help, how a remote session is approved and how the person will retain account access. Check the model’s software support. | When I need help with a confusing screen, I still want to decide who can see it and when. For around 20% of consumers, consent-based support and account control come first. |
| Reliable access | Check the connection, charging arrangement, supplied accessories and a practical plan for ongoing support. | If the device is hard to charge or cannot connect where I use it, its features will not help me get online. Roughly 20% of consumers place dependable day-to-day access first. |
Buying pitfalls
-
Choosing the simplest menu before checking the services
A calls-focused phone may not handle the browser, app, camera or authentication steps needed for appointments, banking or council services.
List the person’s priority tasks and check each one against the exact device before buying.
-
Expecting a new device to solve every access difficulty
Good Things Foundation and the UK government identify connectivity, skills and confidence alongside device access as barriers to using online services.
Plan a workable connection, a charging routine, account recovery and trusted help where the person wants it.
Connection, accessories and time spent setting up and practising may be part of the ongoing arrangement.
-
Giving a helper unrestricted access
Remote-support software can let another person view or control a device. The National Cyber Security Centre also warns that suspicious messages may impersonate organisations.
Use a named, trusted helper and have the device owner approve each remote session. Do not share passwords, PINs or one-time authentication codes.
-
Overlooking support for a second-hand device
A device that no longer receives security updates may be unsuitable for accounts holding sensitive information.
Check the exact model’s software-support status, charging compatibility and account-reset process before purchase.
Brands to consider for these device types
Apple
Compatible iPads are relevant when a family wants to arrange a tablet around a smaller set of familiar activities.
- Apple Support describes Assistive Access as a focused iPad experience with larger on-screen items that a trusted supporter can help personalise.
- Check the required apps, login steps and the person’s comfort with touch controls on the intended iPad.
Doro
Doro’s compatible smartphones and tablets are relevant where the person wants occasional help from a trusted contact.
- Doro says its TeamViewer QuickSupport arrangement requires the owner to share an ID and approve a connection before a helper can view or control the device.
- Approval should be limited to a known helper; remote assistance is not a reason to share account credentials.
emporia
The emporiaSIMPLICITY is a calls-focused option to examine when physical buttons and a consistent charging place matter.
- emporia describes this model as having three speed-dial keys, large illuminated raised buttons, adjustable font size and a charging cradle.
- Check whether the person needs apps, video calls or web services before choosing a calls-focused phone.
Large-screen laptops on Joybuy
These laptops are computer-route options for someone willing to use a conventional Windows setup for reading, forms or communication. Before choosing one, check the relative’s required services, accessibility settings and sign-in methods on the exact configuration.
Image unavailable
HP OmniBook X Flip 16-as0004na, 16-inch touchscreen
Consider this convertible laptop if the person wants to try touch input alongside a conventional computer setup.
Its listed configuration has an Intel Core Ultra 5 226V, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD and Windows 11 Home.
Check the required services, accessibility settings and account-recovery steps before choosing it.
Image unavailable
Lenovo IdeaPad 1, 15-inch Full HD, Cloud Grey
Consider this laptop for desk-based online tasks if the person is comfortable learning a conventional computer workflow.
The listed variant has an AMD Ryzen 3 7320U, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD and Windows 11 Home in S Mode.
Check that the required apps and services work in the intended S Mode setup, along with the person’s sign-in and recovery needs.
Image unavailable
Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, 15-inch touchscreen, Maya Color
Consider this laptop if the person wants a larger touch-enabled screen but is also prepared to use a laptop interface.
The listed variant has a Snapdragon X Elite processor, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD and a PixelSense touchscreen.
Check compatibility with the exact apps and authentication methods the person uses, as well as the preferred accessibility and account-recovery setup.
Image unavailable
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 15.3-inch WUXGA, 83K7009MUK
Consider this laptop for reading and longer online forms if a conventional computer setup suits the person.
The listed variant has an AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS, 24GB DDR5 RAM, 512GB PCIe SSD, Windows 11 Home and Wi-Fi 6.
Check the required services and sign-in steps on this model, and plan how the person will manage updates and account recovery.
Questions and answers
Will a simpler device solve difficulty using online services?
Not on its own. Good Things Foundation and the UK government identify connectivity, skills and confidence alongside access to a device, so plan the connection and any help the person wants as part of the setup.
When might a tablet make more sense than a large-button phone?
A tablet is worth considering when the person needs video calls or selected apps and can use a personalised touchscreen layout. If familiar calls are the main goal, a large-button phone may be enough; check every required service before choosing a calls-focused model.
Can a family member help remotely?
Yes, where the exact device supports a remote-help tool and the owner wants to use it. Doro says its TeamViewer QuickSupport flow asks the owner to share an ID and approve the connection; arrange sessions only with a known helper and end access when the task is finished.
Should a helper know the person’s banking password or security codes?
No. Keep passwords, PINs and one-time codes under the account holder’s control. If a request seems suspicious, the National Cyber Security Centre advises contacting the organisation directly rather than relying on contact details in the message.