NATIONWIDE – Senior populations were among the first to begin social distancing because of the coronavirus pandemic in the United States and have the potential to become some of the most isolated.

One option for combating loneliness during this time is by video chatting, but learning how to do it may take a little more time and care for some adults.

Pat Scott is a volunteer teacher with AGE of Central Texas, an organization that helps older adults and caregivers navigate aging and caregiving. She also owns and operates The Mama Nerd, a computer repair company based in Austin, Texas, that focuses on working with seniors.

Scott normally teaches courses on online security and even how to make a digital will for your online assets, but Spectrum News asked her for tips and advice for helping seniors set up video chats.

What app to use?

Scott has a couple different recommendations depending on what type of devices you’re using.

If all parties have Apple products like iPhones, iPads, or MacBooks, FaceTime is the easiest option and it should already be installed on devices, making the process even easier to get started.

She recommends Google Duo or Skype if you’re mixing Android phones with iPhones.

If you’re mixing non-Apple phones and computers (Mac/Windows/Android/iPhone), she recommends Skype as well.

And finally, if you’re trying to get the whole family involved, Zoom is another option. Scott says she’s been using it to connect with her siblings and children; however, she does warn you should take extra precautions if using this platform to make sure your video conference isn’t “invaded.”

How to get it up and running?

Once you decide what platform works best for your situation, Scott recommends being on the phone with the person you’re helping with a similar device in your hand. That way as you’re walking him or her through the process, you can explain what he or she should be seeing.

“I usually have a phone in front of me so I can describe the buttons, settings, etc., and (am) doing the same thing on my end that they will be doing on their end. If it's a computer, I talk on the phone with them and again try to do on my end what I am telling them to do, carefully telling them where to look, what to click on, etc.,” said Scott.

Another helpful tip to get you through the installation process— make use of screenshots. Scott says the family member you’re helping can send you screenshots of what she or he is seeing or you can send screenshots of what that family member should be seeing.

If that isn’t working, Scott says you may want to try using a remote control tool like Team Viewer. It’s a free application that Scott says will allow you to see exactly what’s on their screen from afar.

What if there are technical problems?

If you run into technical problems, Scott says they first thing you shouldn’t do is try Googling an answer. She says this will most likely send you into the arms of a scammer and cause more problems than you were originally trying to solve.

Instead, Scott says to check and see if the device is under warranty. For Apple products with AppleCare, Scott says you can use that to get help directly through Apple with installing the app. If it’s not under warranty, there may be a fee, though.

She also recommends reaching out to the manufacturer for help. Again though, she stresses the importance of making sure you’re on a legitimate website—you should be able to find the correct web address in any software documentation you have.

If you need additional help, Scott says you can try reaching out to your cell phone provider where you purchased your smartphone. Or, for a possible fee, talk to a local computer tech. Make sure you verify you are talking to a legitimate local company so you aren’t being scammed.

How to make your video chat better?

Once you’ve got the technical aspects down, there are several things you and your loved ones can do to make sure your video chat looks and sounds great.

If you’re using a cell phone, find a spot where you can prop the phone upright so you can see and be seen. Moving a phone around while video chatting can be distracting to some.

Check where the light in the room is coming from. If the room you’re in is dark, that can make it harder to see your face and can impact the quality of the video the other person is seeing. Try and sit in a spot where the light is in front of you and is shining on your face. For example, sitting in front of a window with the blinds open during the day can provide plenty of light.

Using headphones with a microphone can be a good way to limit outside noise and make it easier to hear and be heard.

For the latest information from the CDC about COVID-19/Coronavirus click here.