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- A gift for parents who live alone
The gift of good company, for elderly parents and grandparents who live alone.
For the mum who says "don't buy me anything", the dad with a drawer full of socks, the grandparent who'd simply like someone to talk to. Dottie is a friendly voice they can chat with any time of day.
No card needed for the free week. Then $29 a month, cancel any time.
When they don't need more things.
After a certain age, most people have the slippers and the scented candles. What's often missing is someone around to chat with on an ordinary Tuesday afternoon.
- A chat whenever they fancy one.About the garden, the old days, the grandchildren, last night's telly. Dottie has her own thoughts and stories, so it's a real back-and-forth.
- Things to do together.The radio, a story, a quiz about the old days, a calm breathing session, the weather. All with one tap.
- Their stories, kept.The ones they choose to keep are written up in their own words for the family. About the story book.
How to give it.
- Time
- About two minutes
- You'll need
- Your phone, and their tablet or phone
- Best done
- Together, over a cup of tea
Make the account on your phone
Tell Dottie what to call them and a few of their favourite things. The free week starts straight away.
Choose Dottie or Teddy
Pick the voice you think they'll like best. You can change it later.
Connect their tablet, then sit with them
Open the link on their device and let them say hello for the first time with you there. It's the nicest part.
Choose a plan if they love it
Nothing is charged unless you choose one. You pay; they just chat.
Pairs well with…
- A tablet on a stand. If they don't have a tablet, a simple one on a stand by their favourite chair makes Dottie one tap away. Our guide to helping a lonely parent has more ideas.
- A question from the grandchildren. Add one to the story book, like "What was school like when you were little?", and Dottie will ask it.
- A visit. Dottie is company between calls and visits, never instead of them. Give it on a day you can stay a while.
Questions about giving Dottie
Can I pay for Dottie for someone else?
Yes, that's how it works. You make the account and pay from your own phone; they only ever see Dottie. There are no gift cards yet, so the easiest way to give it is to set it up together.
What do they need?
A tablet or phone with a microphone, and Wi-Fi or mobile data. Nothing to install. If you're buying a tablet as part of the gift, a stand helps, so it sits ready on the kitchen table.
Can the grandchildren join in?
Yes. You can add questions to the story book from your dashboard, including ones from the grandchildren, like "What was school like when you were little?", and Dottie will bring them up when the moment's right.
What if they don't like it?
The first week is free and needs no card. If it isn't for them, simply don't choose a plan. After that you can cancel any time.
A little company, every day.
Set it up today, and they could be having a natter by teatime.