FAQs
More About Ethel
If your loved one doesn’t have access to broadband and WiFi, you can opt to buy a 4G dongle or WiFi from us for a small additional monthly charge. Subject to availability and coverage. Call us today to discuss your requirements.
No. Friends, family and caregivers do not need their own Smart Hub to send and receive messages to your loved one’s Ethel device. They can use their usual email applications and/or web browser on any computer or mobile device.
Yes. Multiple family members can interact and manage Ethel. You can control levels of access to things like alerts, health care details or confidential information by inviting them as either Managers, Responders or Contributors.
Ethel is suitable for anyone who has;
- Little or no computer experience
- Resisted conventional technology
- Diminishing eyesight, motor skills, hearing, or cognition.
The average age of Hub users is 86, with many living independently at home.
All seniors need is the Ethel Smart Hub to get started. Ethel will come pre-configured to work right out of the box. While families just need online access to the Ethel website to manage their account.
Ethel is safer and easier for the elderly to use than an iPad, tablets or computers because it was designed specifically for older people. It provides them with exactly what they need to connect with family and manage their own care. All information is pushed to the device and automatically displayed with large buttons and text, so there’s no need to launch apps to see important notifications. The elderly cannot get ‘lost’ by pressing buttons, mistakenly changing settings or having confusing updates and warning messages appear. The device can be configured remotely through the secure website avoiding frustrating technical support calls. Additionally, text message alerts can be sent to family members in case of missed medication reminders, check-ins and wellness surveys.
Ethel is not intended to be an emergency call system, nor does it replace a telephone.
It is intended for people who aren’t comfortable using technology, but even for those that are, Ethel offers a lot of features that might still be of interest – event and medication reminders, digital photo display, sophisticated alerting, and one-touch “call me” notifications. In the future, we plan on adding new services , such as one-touch contact with a medical professional, as well as access to self-care information and services.
The freely available email and video services presume some degree of computer literacy to use – user names, passwords, launching web browsers, and accessories etc. Furthermore, they expose users to potentially confusing advertising as well as privacy and security concerns. Ethel protects your loved one by providing a secure, ad-free communications channel just for them. In addition, free services do not provide feedback to the family members in terms of alerts, reminders, check-in, or direct access to self-care content.
Ethel offers a money back guarantee. If Ethel doesn’t work for you, simply return it within 30 days for a complete refund. Terms and Conditions apply.
We have a support staff who are ready to answer any of your questions via our telephone or online support system. Our support line is there to help you with any problems you may encounter.
The battery can typically power the device for 4-6 hours. Try not to let the battery discharge completely, as important reminders could be missed.
If the wireless connection to the Internet fails, Ethel will continue to work. All reminders and events will be delivered on time, and photos and messages will still be available. While the connection is lost, new messages will not be sent or received, but as soon as the wireless connection is re-established, all messages that have arrived in the meantime will be delivered immediately. If desired, an alert can be automatically sent out to a family member or other contact if the wireless connection is lost.
Ethel can be placed anywhere that is convenient for you as long as it is near an electrical outlet. The Coffee Table, kitchen counter, a bedside table, or end table in the sitting room are all good choices. Just make sure Ethel’s charging cord does not become a tripping hazard.
Ethel is currently only available in English.
