Aug. 9, 2022

This paid piece is sponsored by Dow Rummel Village.

Nate Fischer feels like everyone’s grandson at work and with good reason.

Can’t get something to work on your computer? Have questions on navigating your smartphone? While some seniors lean on their kids or grandkids for one-on-one tech support, at Dow Rummel Village, a team is ready and waiting to help.

And they do.

“The best way I can describe it is it’s like Geek Squad on campus that will come to your home,” said Fischer, an IT specialist at Dow Rummel. “We’ll help set up your technology, troubleshoot your technology, assist with repairs or virus issues as needed and teach you how to take advantage of what your technology offers.”

He and co-worker Becca Horan run Dow Rummel’s Link Department, which includes a physical location on the senior living community’s “Main Street” where residents can stop in to use computers, print documents, take mini-courses and, of course, get help with their technology.

“And when families would like to send Mom or Dad something to use, we can get it set up correctly and follow up to make sure they’re comfortable using it,” he said. “Or sometimes, they’ll stop in if they get a weird email and they don’t know if it’s legit. We kind of become everyone’s grandson on campus.”

Mac Hesser moved into Dow Rummel a year ago and has become friends with Fischer through his tech support.

“He’s excellent,” Hesser said. “He really knows his business, and he takes time to explain it to you. He’s been up to my apartment quite a few times because my eyesight isn’t the best and sometimes I hit a wrong key and need help, and he gets up here to fix it.”

Fischer also has helped enlarge fonts on Hesser’s computer and tablet to help him see his email and stock reports better, along with helping him figure out a stronger internet connection in his apartment.

“We’ve become pretty good buddies,” Hesser said. “I say, ‘Nate, here’s your problem child,’ and he comes up and helps me fix whatever it is.”

During the pandemic, Dow Rummel’s technology department, which originally was designed for staff technical support, saw a significant increase in the demand for resident technical support. The Link Department was created to meet these growing needs, knowing the demand isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

“They realize technology is not as scary, and they enjoy it, so they’re doing it more and more,” Fischer said. “A lot of them are now switching from desktops and laptops to tablets, so we’re helping them through that.”

The physical lab space is free to use, and the first 15 minutes of any consultation is free too. That’s generally how long it takes to solve an issue, Fischer said. If more help is needed, there are various charges for services.

The Link Department also offers classes and will be expanding it to include task-focused help. Residents might learn how to stream movies or order from grocery stores or restaurants online, for instance.

“We’re focusing on their interests rather than specific programs or tools, and then if they want to drill down, we can always do that,” Fischer said.

The department also is expanding to sell basic tech merchandise, including books for recording passwords and basic headphones.

“It’s really fun to watch residents who might have had low self-esteem with technology begin to champion things and ask questions that are more complicated,” Fischer said. “And it’s great to help them find technology that works for them. It doesn’t have to be the latest and greatest.”

Learn more about all the offerings at Dow Rummel Village here.