Staying close
The best video calls with a parent often aren't really "calls" at all. They're doing something together: the same show, the Sunday service, the ballgame. Sharing an experience feels warmer than one more "how are you feeling?" and it gives you both something to talk about.
Here's a small truth about staying connected: a check-in call can start to feel like an appointment, for both of you. But sitting together through a favorite program, or cheering the same team, is just being family. When you can't be on the same couch, you can still share the same moment, and that's what people remember.
Pick a program you both like, start a video call, and watch together while you chat about it, just like you would side by side. A weekly show becomes a standing date.
For a parent who can no longer get to services, this one means the world. Many churches stream now, so they can watch worship on their TV, and you can join by video before and after so it feels shared rather than solitary.
Put the game on both ends and keep a call open. Half the fun of sports is reacting with someone. A grandparent and grandchild yelling at the same touchdown from two states away is a memory in the making.
Eat dinner "together" at the same time, or slowly look through old family photos on the screen. Gentle, unhurried, and full of stories.
Every one of these ideas lives on a screen your parent already loves. So instead of asking them to hold a phone through a whole ballgame, use the TV itself. HomeTogether plugs into their television and lets family video calls appear right on the big screen, so you can be there on the side of the same picture they're watching. It answers on its own, so there's nothing for them to manage, and the whole family can join in up to ten people. Some families also love that the system includes built-in faith, music, and memory content, gentle things for a parent to enjoy between visits.
HomeTogether turns their TV into a place the whole family can gather, watch, and cheer together, with nothing for your parent to set up. $99/month, 30-day money-back guarantee.
See how HomeTogether works →Pick a show you both enjoy, start a video call at the same time, and watch while you chat, just like sitting together. It works best when they can see and hear you easily on a big screen.
Many churches stream services. Your parent can watch on their TV, and you can join by video before and after so it feels shared. Some TV systems include worship content too.
Watch a show or game, look through old photos, share a meal at the same time, or read to a grandchild. Doing something alongside them beats a status-check call.
This guide is general information to help families stay connected. Product details reflect HomeTogether at the time of writing.