Staying connected can become more difficult as dementia progresses. Memory changes, confusion and unfamiliar technology can all make simple calls stressful. Yet for many families, those moments of contact — seeing a loved one’s face, hearing their voice — remain deeply important.

Technology designed for ease and clarity can make a real difference. One example is Jubilee TV, a system that turns an ordinary television into a simple video-calling device. Instead of small screens or fiddly buttons, it uses the household TV — a familiar, comfortable setting — to make communication feel natural again.

Key Takeaways

Jubilee TV: Can a Video-Calling TV Box Help Families Stay in Touch with People Living with Dementia?

Developed in the United States, Jubilee TV connects to the internet and pairs with a smartphone app, allowing friends and relatives to appear right on the TV screen. Calls can be accepted with a single press of the remote or, in some setups, answered automatically. Its design aims to reduce barriers for people who find tablets or smartphones confusing.

Although Jubilee TV isn’t yet available in the UK, it raises useful questions about accessibility and inclusion in communication technology. Could a straightforward, familiar interface help people with dementia maintain independence and reduce isolation? And what similar options exist closer to home?

This article explores the wider picture: how accessible video-calling devices can support connection, what to consider when setting them up safely, and where UK carers can find practical alternatives such as GrandPad, Amazon Echo Show, and Google Nest Hub.

Good design fits around people’s lives and routines.

Why Staying in Touch Matters in Dementia Care

Regular contact gives comfort, connection, reassurance, and a sense of belonging. For people living with dementia, social connection helps maintain identity and emotional wellbeing. Studies from the Alzheimer’s Society and NHS highlight that loneliness can increase confusion and anxiety, while routine communication supports confidence and calm.

However, staying in touch can become harder as dementia affects memory and communication. Recognising faces, finding words, or using modern devices can feel overwhelming. These barriers are created by design rather than impairment. Many mainstream video-calling tools assume quick reactions, small buttons, and constant updates — all of which can create exclusion.

A simple, accessible interface can make the difference between frustration and genuine connection. Familiar screens, clear sound, and one-touch controls remove unnecessary hurdles, helping people focus on conversation over the technology.

Tip: The NHS has a useful guide on loneliness here

People describe the emotional lift that comes from a familiar routine: a video call during afternoon tea, or hearing a grandchild’s laugh on the TV. Such moments restore continuity, even when memory fades. Connection flows from shared presence, regardless of what someone can or can’t remember.

What Is Jubilee TV and How Does It Work?

Jubilee TV is a video-calling device designed to make communication simpler for people living with dementia. Instead of using a smartphone or tablet, it connects directly to a television — often the most familiar screen in the home.

The setup is straightforward. A small box links the TV to the internet and pairs with a companion app on a family member’s phone. When someone calls, their face appears on the TV. Calls can be answered with a single button press or automatically if consent settings allow.

The remote control has large, high-contrast buttons, and the on-screen display avoids complex menus. Audio is clear and loud, and the camera’s wide view means users don’t need to sit in one fixed position. These design choices support accessibility, reducing confusion and fatigue.

The system was created in the United States, where it’s currently available. Jubilee TV isn’t yet sold or supported in the UK, but its approach offers valuable insight into what accessible design can look like — technology that prioritises ease, familiarity, and dignity over unnecessary features.

For UK readers, it’s worth noting that other products, such as GrandPad, Amazon Echo Show, and Google Nest Hub, already include features that echo Jubilee TV’s simplicity. These can also help families stay connected when cognitive changes make standard devices harder to use.

Accessibility Features to Look For in Any Video-Calling Device

The best technology is the one people can actually use with ease. When choosing a video-calling device for someone living with dementia, look for features that reduce cognitive load and encourage confidence rather than overwhelm.

1. One-Touch or Voice-Activated Calls

Devices like the Amazon Echo Show and Google Nest Hub allow simple, voice-activated calls. This removes the need for scrolling or typing, which can confuse or frustrate users.

2. Familiar Screen and Layout

A TV screen or large display works better than a small tablet for many people. Large fonts, clear icons, and minimal menus make navigation calmer and less tiring.

3. Adjustable Text and Caption Options

Text that can be enlarged and captions that can be turned on or off support accessibility for people with hearing or visual impairments.

4. Consistent Power and Connection

Frequent restarts, updates, or Wi-Fi drops can cause distress. Choose devices with strong connectivity and automatic updates handled in the background.

5. Visual and Audio Clarity

A clear picture and stable sound are essential. Check that the microphone picks up normal speech and the speaker volume suits quieter voices or mild hearing loss.

6. Remote Support Features

Some systems allow carers to adjust settings remotely — useful for troubleshooting — but consent and privacy must always come first.

If Jubilee TV isn’t available locally, consider GrandPad, designed for older users with dementia in mind. It offers similar simplicity: large icons, family-managed contact lists, and secure video calls. UK-based support through  retailers makes setup easier for families seeking peace of mind.

Accessibility is the foundation that lets people stay connected and included.

Privacy, Consent and Safety

Ease of use should never come at the cost of safety or dignity. Features such as auto-answer and remote access can be helpful, but they also raise questions about consent and privacy, especially when supporting someone with cognitive impairment.

Before activating any automatic call function, talk openly with the person involved. Explain how it works and when calls might appear on the screen. If they understand and agree, make sure this is recorded or shared with other carers to avoid confusion.

Consent isn’t a one-off event. As dementia progresses, comfort levels may change. Someone who once enjoyed surprise video calls may later prefer a prompt or scheduled time. Regularly checking in helps maintain trust and respect. (see bottom of page for full guidance link around these consent issues)

Carers should also be mindful of who can access the device. Limit connections to known contacts and use password protection or a managed contact list where possible.

For extra guidance, resources from the NHS and UK Government’s safeguarding frameworks offer practical advice on balancing independence with safety. Organisations like Alzheimer’s Society and Age UK also provide easy-to-read guides on privacy and digital inclusion for people living with dementia.

Technology supports human care. When used thoughtfully, accessible video-calling tools can protect privacy while keeping loved ones close.

Practical Tips for Carers Setting Up Video Calls

Getting the setup right can make video calls feel natural and relaxed, avoiding confusion or rush. A few small adjustments often make a big difference.

1. Position for Comfort and Clarity

Place the camera at eye level and ensure the user sits comfortably. Front lighting improves visibility. Avoid glare from windows or lamps.

2. Check Sound and Captions

Test the microphone and speaker before each call. Background noise can be tiring, so try a quieter space. Turn on captions if the person finds them helpful — some enjoy reading along even when hearing is good.

3. Simplify the Setup

Keep the remote or tablet stand in a consistent place. Use tape or tactile markers to highlight the correct buttons. Fewer options mean fewer distractions.

4. Maintain a Reliable Connection

Wi-Fi interruptions can cause anxiety. If possible, plug the device directly into the router or use a booster near the TV or calling area.

5. Create Familiar Routines

Try scheduling calls at the same time each day or week. Linking calls with familiar activities — a morning coffee or evening chat — helps build comfort through routine.

6. Encourage Shared Activities

Video calls can include shared activities. Families can share songs, photos, or watch favourite shows together. Even short calls can lift mood and reduce feelings of isolation.

7. Keep it Positive

If a call doesn’t go perfectly, keep the tone light. A smile and gentle reassurance matter more than technical precision.

Accessible technology works best when it feels human — personal, warm, and reliable.

UK Alternatives and Further Resources

While Jubilee TV remains available only in the United States, UK carers and families have several comparable options. Each offers features designed to support accessible, low-stress communication for people living with dementia.

1. GrandPad

Developed specifically for older users, GrandPad combines simple video calls with secure contact lists managed by family members. Its bright icons, large screen, and straightforward charging dock make it practical for home use. It’s available through trusted UK suppliers and comes with direct customer support.

2. Amazon Echo Show

The Echo Show integrates video calling with Alexa voice control, allowing calls to be made and answered hands-free. Voice commands are useful when dexterity or short-term memory issues make button pressing difficult. Privacy settings can be customised, and the screen also supports captions.

3. Google Nest Hub

Google’s Nest Hub offers similar hands-free calling and smart display functions. It connects with Google Duo or Meet, and carers can manage settings remotely if consent is in place. Its ambient light sensor automatically adjusts brightness for easy viewing.

4. Living Made Easy and AbilityNet

These two UK organisations provide impartial advice on accessible technology and independent living.

• Living Made Easy lists detailed product comparisons.
• AbilityNet offers free tech support for disabled and older people, including advice on adapting devices to meet cognitive or sensory needs.

5. Alzheimer’s Society Resources

The Alzheimer’s Society Technology page covers dementia-friendly design, assistive tech guides, and carer support tools. It’s a reliable starting point for finding solutions that balance independence, safety, and comfort.

Communication works best with choice. The right tool depends on familiarity, comfort, and the person’s daily rhythm.

Digital Access, an extra benefit of modern life

Technology can never replace a hug or a shared cup of tea, but it can help maintain closeness when distance or dementia makes connection harder. Look for a device that feels familiar and easy to use, rather than chasing the most advanced features.

Whether that’s Jubilee TV, a GrandPad, or a smart display already in the home, success comes from fitting technology to the person and their routine.

The best communication tools support autonomy, safety, and comfort. They help carers and families share daily life — laughter, routines, and quiet reassurance — in ways that feel natural.

As dementia care continues to evolve, accessible design will remain central. Each innovation, whether born in the UK or abroad, should aim to remove barriers and reduce complexity.

For carers, the message is simple: technology should make life easier. Start small, keep things consistent, and remember that connection — in whatever form works best — is what matters most.

Jubilee TV is highlighted for information only. It’s not affiliated with Disability Horizons or available in the UK.

Further Reading:

The SCIE “At a glance 5” summary provides an authoritative overview of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005, which is essential for anyone caring for a relative with dementia in England and Wales. This resource explains how to approach decision-making and consent when capacity is in question, highlighting the legal principles that protect a person’s right to make their own choices wherever possible. It covers the formal process for assessing mental capacity, best interests decisions, and the practical steps carers and professionals must follow under the law.

For anyone dealing with complex issues of consent and decision-making—such as arranging medical treatment or care for a loved one living with dementia—this guide answers key questions about your responsibilities and rights under the MCA. It is particularly helpful for understanding situations where capacity fluctuates, who makes decisions if capacity is lacking, and how best interests are determined.

For full guidance about consent issues and decision-making for people with dementia, click here: https://www.scie.org.uk/mca/introduction/mental-capacity-act-2005-at-a-glance/.