How to Monitor Your Loved One's Computer Safety

Supporting Without Controlling

As a caregiver or family member, you want to help your loved one stay safe online without making them feel like you are watching their every move. The Caregiver Dashboard strikes this balance by showing you what help they needed and when they encountered potential threats - but not every detail of their computer use.

Setting Up Dashboard Access

Here is how to get started with the Caregiver Dashboard:

Step 1: Upgrade to Pro

The Caregiver Dashboard is included with the AssistApp Pro plan ($10/month). Your loved one will need to upgrade their account to Pro to enable this feature.

Step 2: Connect as a Caregiver

Your loved one can invite you as a caregiver from their AssistApp settings. They will enter your email address, and you will receive an invitation link.

Step 3: Create Your Dashboard Account

Click the invitation link and create your free caregiver account. You do not need to install anything - the dashboard is accessed through any web browser.

What You Can See

The dashboard shows you helpful information without invading privacy:

Help History

See what tasks your loved one has asked AssistApp for help with. This gives you insight into what they are trying to learn and where they might need extra support from you.

For example, if you notice they have asked multiple times about attaching files to emails, you might offer to walk them through it on your next visit.

Security Alerts

You will receive immediate email notifications when your loved one encounters a potential scam or suspicious website. The alert includes:

• What type of threat was detected
• Whether they proceeded or closed the suspicious page
• The date and time the incident occurred

This allows you to follow up with a phone call to make sure they are safe and understand what happened.

Usage Patterns

See general patterns about when and how often they are using AssistApp. If someone who normally uses it daily suddenly stops, it might signal they need help or are avoiding the computer due to confusion.

What You Cannot See

To protect privacy and maintain trust, the dashboard does not show:

• Websites they visit (except threats)
• Email content or recipients
• Documents they create or view
• Real-time screen viewing
• The ability to take control of their computer

Your loved one maintains their independence and privacy while you gain peace of mind about their safety.

Using Co-Pilot Mode for Remote Help

When your loved one needs direct guidance, you can use Co-Pilot Mode to draw on their screen and point out where to click - without taking control away from them.

Your loved one must explicitly allow Co-Pilot Mode for each session. You cannot activate it without their permission. This respects their autonomy while letting you provide visual guidance when needed.

Best Practices for Caregivers

• Review the dashboard weekly rather than constantly checking it
• Use security alerts as conversation starters, not accusations
• Celebrate their progress and new skills they are learning
• Ask if they want help rather than assuming they do
• Encourage their independence while staying available for support

Respecting Boundaries

Remember that your loved one can revoke your caregiver access at any time from their settings. This is intentional - it ensures they feel in control of their own technology use.

If they do remove your access, have an open conversation about their concerns. Perhaps they feel you are checking too often, or they want to prove they can manage on their own. Work together to find a level of monitoring that works for both of you.