Some conversations do not work well in writing. The ones where you want to see a face. Hear a laugh. Show someone the new puzzle. Say goodnight before they go to bed.
SeniorThrive has a built-in video call feature for the people in your Circle. No Zoom account. No app to download. No dialing phone numbers.
Where to find it
Go to Family & Friends → Video Calls from the side menu. Or, in your messages thread, tap the small camera icon next to someone's name to call them directly.
To start a call
Pick the person you want to call from your Circle.
Tap Start call.
If they are available, their face appears in a moment.
If they are not, SeniorThrive leaves them a short note that you tried, and they can call you back.
When someone calls you
If someone in your Circle calls you, your phone or tablet will ring gently and a big Answer button will appear on the screen. Tap it, and you are connected.
You can also tap Decline, and SeniorThrive will let them know you are busy. No one takes offense.
What you need
A device with a camera (your phone, tablet, or laptop).
A decent internet connection.
Permission to use your camera and microphone, which SeniorThrive asks for the first time.
You do not need to give anyone your phone number. Calls happen inside SeniorThrive, between people who are already in your Circle.
Group calls
You can also start a call with more than one person. Useful for a Sunday family check-in, a birthday hello, or a chat with two siblings at once.
In Video Calls, tap Start group call.
Pick the people from your Circle.
Tap Start.
A few small tips
Find the light. Sit facing a window, not with a window behind you, so the other person can see your face.
Prop the phone up. A small stand, a book, anything that keeps the camera steady. Hands get tired.
Use earbuds or headphones if the sound echoes. Most people hear better that way.
Do not worry about how you look. The people who love you want to see you, not the you that spent an hour getting ready.
If something is not working
If the call will not connect, check your internet. If you can hear but not see, check that your camera is on and permissions are granted. If a family member cannot hear you, check that your microphone is not muted.
If you are still stuck, Avery can walk you through it. Tap the chat bubble.
Seeing a face, even once a week, is one of the things that keeps people well. That is what this feature is for.