Cutting Cable – Is Streaming Service Enough for Your Disabled Dad?

Caregivers in Water Mill NY: Cutting Cable – Is Streaming Service Enough for Your Disabled Dad?

Your dad is disabled and tends to stay close to home. He needs to cut his expenses, but he’s hesitant to give up cable television as he’s afraid he won’t have anything to watch. Here’s the scoop on today’s streaming services.

How Do You Use a Streaming Service?

With a streaming service, the service uses the internet to broadcast television shows, movies, and documentaries to a TV or computer monitor. With a small box, such as a Roku, box, streaming is easy. You simply turn on the TV, turn on the box you’ve connected to the TV, and use the remote to find channels and shows to watch. The Roku is handy as it also has free channels you can add and watch.

If your dad has a Blu-ray player or a gaming system the grandkids use, those systems usually have a few streaming channels installed. You just have to choose the channel, pay for the service, and get started. The same is true if your dad has a Smart TV that comes with certain channels installed.

Comparison of Streaming Services

Hulu and Netflix are probably the two streaming services you’ve heard the most about. Both offer a range of TV shows and movies. Your dad does need to subscribe, but both are less than $10 a month typically and trial offers can lower that cost even more. Hulu airs many shows currently on TV, but you must wait a day or to before the show is available. With Netflix, the season ends first and is then presented.

Amazon Instant Video and Sling are other options that are becoming more popular. They also offer dozens of movies and TV shows. Sling is the more expensive option, but it works more like cable TV. With Sling, you’re watching shows the minute they air rather than waiting a day.

Crackle is a free option showing both TV shows and movies. While you don’t have to pay anything, you do watch commercials. Crackle doesn’t load shows and movies as fluidly as the competition, however. If your dad likes the idea of completely free, Tubi TV is another free option.

Keep your dad as active as possible by hiring caregivers to help out each week. Caregivers can assist with light housework, laundry, and even change sheets and make beds. In addition, your dad gains a trusted friend to help him avoid feeling lonely.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring a professional caregiver in Water Mill, NY, call the caring staff at Artful Home Care today at 631-685-5001.