Patient Tech Help for Seniors, In Your Own Home
If technology has started to feel like it's getting away from you, you're not alone — and you're not silly. Devices change constantly, nobody hands out a manual, and not everyone has a teenager handy to ask. I come to your home, sit down beside you, and sort things out kindly, in plain English, at your pace.
Reading this for your Mum or Dad? You're in the right place too — I'm happy to arrange visits with a son or daughter. There's more for you a little further down.
What I Help With Most
Scam checks and protection
Suspicious text? Worrying email? Pop-up saying you're infected? I'll tell you what's real, and set things up so scams are less likely to reach you.
Passwords and locked accounts
Locked out of email, Facebook, or MyGov — I'll get you back in and set up a system so it doesn't happen again.
Keeping accounts safe
Two-factor codes, bank security, protecting the accounts that matter — explained so it makes sense, not just switched on.
Photo overload
A phone that's 'full', photos stuck on an old computer, years of them in a jumble — organised, backed up, and shared with the family who'd love to see them.
Slow or misbehaving devices
Computers, phones, and iPads that have slowed down or started acting up — tuned up and back to their old selves.
New device setup
New phone, tablet or computer set up properly, with everything moved across and the settings arranged for comfortable use — larger text included.
Video calls with the grandkids
Set up and practised together until ringing the family and seeing their faces feels as easy as the telephone.
Ongoing lessons
For anything you'd like to properly learn rather than have done for you — patient one-on-one lessons, at your pace, with a plain-English cheat sheet left behind so you're not relying on memory.
For sons and daughters
Live too far away to be the family tech support? You're who this section is for. I'm a patient, local, one-man service your Mum or Dad will get to know by name: you ring me — from wherever you are — and tell me what's going on, I visit them at home in Newcastle and sort it out gently, and afterwards I let you know how it went. A visit makes a good birthday or Christmas present, too. The pensioner rate of $60 an hour applies.
“Chris has changed my life with his patient style of teaching across many areas of IT that are part of life.”
Debra S.
Google review
Common Questions
Is it okay if I'm really starting from scratch?
Is there a pensioner rate?
My kids set everything up but live far away. Can you be the local helper?
Will you talk down to me?
I can't get into my email — can you help?
Will my photos be safe moving to a new computer?
Simple, Honest Pricing
The first 15-minute phone call is free, with no obligation. In-home help is $80 an hour — $60 for pensioners and concession card holders. I'll always give you a clear idea of what's involved before any work begins. No hidden fees, no surprises.
I visit homes right across Newcastle, within about 20km of the CBD — including Newcastle, Newcastle East, Newcastle West, The Hill, Cooks Hill, Hamilton, New Lambton, Charlestown, Kotara, Adamstown, Merewether, Bar Beach, Mayfield, Waratah, Wallsend, Jesmond, Lambton, Broadmeadow, Islington, Tighes Hill, and the streets in between.
Also looking for computer lessons or computer repairs?