Help How to restrict android for an elderly grandmother who's "tap happy"

[Tset_Tsyung]

Hey all,

I have a grandmother who has suffered with a couple of strokes in the past, and now suffers with Cognitive Impairment. She would like to get a tablet to be able to use a specific app. Now this is fine, however she struggles with technical things these days. And when I say technical things, I mean anything. She struggles with her PC and internet, TV, DVD player and the like. I know though that this isn't a rare occurrence, so hopefully someone has a solution for me.

I've been looking into the 'Multiple Users' feature in 4.2 onwards however I've noticed that there is no way to stop access to the settings? This is quite important as she TRIES to change the settings, but forgets that she does more damage than good - bless her. And with the 'tap happy' panic she gets into she could end up factory resetting her device or buying lots that she doesn't need (trust me, it happens)

So there a feature that I've missed? Or an app than can lock out EVERYTHING but the few apps she won't struggle with?

Any advice is greatly appreciated. We love my gran, and don't want to take away something that she will enjoy without good reason.

 

[Hadron]

There are a number of "app lock" apps in the Play Store. I've never used one, so can't recommend any in particular, but just searching on that phrase turned up a good number of results. So I guess you could use one of these to password lock all but a few apps, including locking the settings app.

 

[Tset_Tsyung]

Cool, thank you. I wasn't sure of the category of apps I should be searching for - I start looking into them and let the forum know what we go for.

 

[Slug]

If you have further questions, or need more advice, don't hesitate to post back in this topic. Smartphones aren't just for "youngsters", as my own 84yo father can prove. We'll be happy to help find ways to ensure that your grandmother enjoys the same experience that the rest of us take for granted.

 

[funkylogik]

There are a few apps in play called "smart app lock". I used one in the past but can't remember which one but it certainly let me lock the settings app with a pin
You might also want to look for a launcher designed for the elderly or for kids

 

[hiredgun]

I remember having to program the VCR for both my grandmothers every time the power went out over thirty years ago, lol. Here are a few apps that may be just what you are looking for. The first one specifically mentions being able to lock settings!!

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.domobile.applock&hl=en


https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sp.protector.free&hl=en