I'm going to pour a smidge of cold water on this, but you're welcome to ignore it of course. I've briefly seen researchers present their efforts at deploying s

I'm going to pour a smidge of cold water on this, but you're welcome to ignore it of course. I've briefly seen researchers present their efforts at deploying safety and/or entertainment devices in the residences of older people. Each and every single device was MacGyvered in ways that were completely unanticipated. Safety cords were tied up and tucked away to prevent them being accidentally pulled. Ditto emergency buttons, covered in cardboard, plastic cups, duct-tape, all to prevent accidental triggering. Batteries were taken out of devices for fear they'd leak and damage the nice expensive device. Devices were unplugged and put in cupboards with the intention they'd be taken out, plugged in, and used when needed (similar to a mobile phone kept turned off and in a drawer because it's "expensive" and only to be used when needed). These were not people with dementia, or complicated devices. They included TV remotes, single-button pendants, etc etc. So -- whatever you do, expect the unexpected :) That isn't to say you shouldn't do it. Far from it. Just don't be surprised to find your device covered in duct-tape, unplugged, and filed neatly in a cupboard. I wonder why she uses Skype and email? It seems obvious, but perhaps it's not. She might use them because that's what everyone expects from her. Instead of email, letters and postcards might be really nice for her to receive. Not sure about Skype, though, since I do think that video-calls can be great and don't have an analogue with past alternatives.