Dorothy: Safety and Connection through Technology in Northern Minnesota

Dorothy is a 104-year-old woman living alone in northern Minnesota. A relatively simple technology intervention – a Jumbo iPad -- has made a huge difference in her daily safety, connectedness, and quality of life.

In May of 2024, Dorothy contacted the Lighthouse because she was having trouble using her iPad. A Lighthouse professional met with Dorothy, and loaned a jumbo iPad to see if that would work for her. The Lighthouse also set up the device for easier email use, and so that it answers automatically when her daughter calls – allowing her daughter to check daily on her mom’s safety.

Dorothy now interacts with the iPad multiple hours of the day. She starts out her day by reading an email from a spiritual advisor and then moves into digital coloring, reading texts or books, and talking with her daughter through the device.

In May of 2025 the Jumbo iPad stopped working. The Lighthouse quickly replaced it with another one, setting it up again like the old one.

With an investment of just 7 hours of Lighthouse time and the expense of two Jumbo iPads, the Lighthouse has dramatically improved the safety and connectedness of this “very senior” rural woman living alone.