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The FloH Club -- Tech support for older adults (Yay)
Submitted by Laurie Orlov on Wed, 10/14/2009 - 07:47
You know and I know that all older adults do not love and relate to their computers. And their computers are not loveable. I will spare you a rant this time and not count the ways. For those who are uncomfortable with their computers, there are a host of imperfect alternatives to 'help.' Their adult children can patronize them, they could attend a training class at their local college or senior center, or they could try an online support service like CrossLoop, not focused on older adults), they can call the company that sold them the product. They could buy the GO Computer for $879 and receive telephone support for $19.95/month. If you already have a computer and need help, now there is another option -- the FloH Club -- started by 75-year-old Florence Henderson, best known as the TV mom on the Brady Bunch. Check out Ms Henderson describing it in this Video from the Today Show. Using her own experience with technology demystification, on September 23, she launched a tech support fee-based service - not a charitable foundation - to help people with their computers. Plans are $249.99 for the year or $24.99/month for 6 months to do the following (as stated on the site):
Best Buy's Geek Squad is a costly visit -- and worse, someone is in your house, which may not be so appealing. They also do what CrossLoop does and access it remotely -- not very conversational for folks who may be intimidated by the computer and the real nightmare, the software. So let's give a cheer for an entrepreneur at 75 starting a business to help people get comfortable with their computers! We want her to succeed! Thoughts and experiences welcome!
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Will seniors pay for this service?
Thanks Laurie for this very useful blog and for letting us know about these services.
Technical support targeted to seniors seems like a very useful service that I think would benefit many seniors that I know personally. I especially like that FloH Club and other companies offer telephone-based support so that their customers can talk directly to a patient, friendly support person, instead of trying to find more information in a cryptic manual or online. Perhaps such a service for supporting other technology (e.g., mobile phones) would also be useful to seniors.
Although I think it's great that companies like the FloH Club and Go Computer offer seniors technical support, I wonder how many seniors will be able to pay $10-20/month for support. I understand that these companies need to charge for the service, but many seniors that I've spoken to have fixed incomes and may not be able to afford the extra expense. Are there any similar services that are offered freely by charitable foundations? If so, are they widely used?
Free services to teach about computers
Many councils on aging have volunteers who provide computer training and support -- typically free -- on premises during hours in which they are open and the volunteers are available. Here are three -- one from Edison, NJ, one in New Orleans, sponsored by SeniorNet, and libraries, like this one in Palm Beach, FL.
Often these training programs include use of the program's computers (versus owning a computer). I think the fee-paid services like The FloH Club can target the market of people who have bought a computer or were given one as a gift (maybe the giftgiver could give them a 6-month contract for the service) but found themselves struggling and near giving up. For those, maybe this is a good option when the perceived value of using a computer outweighs the service cost.
Up close and personal works best!
Having someone in your home WHO YOU TRUST is the most efficient way to learn about the ABCs of connecting with computers to friends, family/caregivers and healthcare providers.