Set up an AI assistant for a senior family member

How to do it

1. 1

   Decide which option is right for them: Claude.ai (easier, requires internet, sends data to Anthropic) or Ollama + Open WebUI (more setup, fully private, runs on their computer). For most families, Claude.ai is the right starting point.

2. 2

   FOR CLAUDE.AI: Go to claude.ai, create a free account using their email address, bookmark the page in their browser, and pin it to the taskbar or dock.

3. 3

   FOR LOCAL OLLAMA: Install Ollama from ollama.com and Open WebUI from docs.openwebui.com on their computer. Set the browser to open to localhost:3000 on startup. This option takes 30 minutes but keeps everything private.

4. 4

   In Open WebUI or Claude.ai settings, increase the text size if possible — larger text makes a real difference

5. 5

   Create a simple system prompt so the AI introduces itself helpfully: go to Settings and add: 'You are a friendly, patient assistant. Always speak clearly and simply. Never use technical language. If asked about medical topics, always suggest speaking with a doctor. Be warm and encouraging.'

6. 6

   Print or write out a one-page cheat sheet for them. Include: how to open the app, how to type a question, how to start a new conversation if things go wrong, and 3 example questions to try first ('What is a good recipe for chicken soup?', 'Help me write a thank you note to my neighbour', 'What is the weather forecast for Burnaby this week?')

7. 7

   Sit with them and have them try it while you are there — answer their questions in the moment

Watch out for

• ⚠

  The cheat sheet is more important than the setup — without it, they will not remember what to do after you leave

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  Start with simple, low-stakes tasks: recipe ideas, letter-writing help, general questions. Build confidence before suggesting anything complicated.

• ⚠

  Check in after a week — they will have questions. A 10-minute phone call at day 7 matters more than a perfect setup.

• ⚠

  If they have privacy concerns about Claude.ai, the Ollama option is the right answer — nothing leaves their computer. Worth the extra setup time.