Gurnee, IL., may not seem an obvious center of tech innovation. But for seniors who are having a tough time sending emails, using smartphones, or communicating with family online, a local company called Intellisupport has emerged as a lifeline. Founded in 2020, this tech support service exclusively offers seniors who need assistance navigating technology—patiently, clearly, and personally.
The Problem: Technology Moves Fast. Seniors Need Help Keeping Up.
For many seniors, technology feels overwhelming. A smartphone isn’t just a phone—it’s a camera, a map, and a video chat device. A tablet might hold photos of grandchildren but also demands updates, passwords, and troubleshooting. When devices malfunction, frustration builds quickly. Family members often try to help remotely, but explanations like “click the settings icon” mean little without someone there to guide them.
Intellisupport’s founder, Mark Thompson, saw this firsthand. His 78-year-old grandmother once spent weeks using her iPad as a photo frame because she couldn’t figure out how to answer video calls. “She felt isolated,” Mark says. “That’s when I realized seniors need tech support that respects their pace and priorities.”
How Intellisupport Works: Simple Steps, Real Results
Intellisupport offers in-home visits and remote assistance for common tech hurdles. Services include:
- Setting up devices (phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs).
- Teaching email, video calls, and social media basics.
- Fixing issues like frozen screens, forgotten passwords, or accidental app deletions.
- Providing printed guides with step-by-step instructions.
The team avoids technical jargon. Instead, they use plain language: “Press the round button at the bottom” instead of “select the home button.” They also repeat steps until concepts stick. “One client asked me three times how to attach photos to an email,” says technician Sarah Lopez. “By the fourth try, she did it confidently. That’s what matters.”
Stories That Matter: Reconnecting Families
Consider 82-year-old Martha, a Gurnee resident whose children live scattered across the country. Before Intellisupport, she had missed weekly video calls because the camera of her laptop “didn’t work.” A technician found that her browser did not have permission to access the camera. So a 20-minute fix gave her back visits from family. Now I see my grandkids every Sunday,” Martha said. “It’s like they’re here, right here.”
Another client, a 70-year-old retired teacher named Robert, wanted to attend a virtual book club but didn’t know how to navigate Zoom. Intellisupport didn’t just set up his account; it printed out a cheat sheet called “Robert’s Book Club Steps.” He has started conducting meetings himself.
Why This Approach Works
Call centers speed-read scripts, and online tutorials assume familiarity. Intellisupport’s trust-building local face-to-face service All of them receive training in geriatric communication, including how to speak slowly, listen carefully and look for signs of confusion. And the company makes safety a priority as well. Many older people are nervous about scams, so technicians carry branded badges to confirm their identity, and they instruct clients to call the office to verify appointments.
The impact of Intellisupport is more than just troubleshooting. One client, Helen, learned to use Instagram to see photos from her grandson’s soccer games. One other, Frank, watches woodworking videos on YouTube. “Technology is not just for young people,” Mark says. “It’s a tool to be curious and connected.”
Community Connections
The team partners with Gurnee’s senior center to host free monthly workshops. Recent topics include “Spotting Online Scams” and “Using Alexa for Reminders.” Attendees leave with checklists and a phone number for follow-up questions.
What Families Say
“Mom used to panic when her phone buzzed,” says Jenna Carter, whose mother uses Intellisupport. “Now she texts me memes. It’s a game-changer.”
Tips for Seniors (from Intellisupport)
- Write down passwords and keep them in a secure place.
- Restart devices weekly to prevent slowdowns.
- When in doubt, ask for help.
A Model for the Future
Intellisupport plans to expand to neighboring towns, proving that tech support can be both compassionate and practical. As Mark puts it, “We’re not just fixing devices—we’re rebuilding confidence.”
For seniors in Gurnee, that confidence means staying independent, informed, and closer to the people they love.
Learn more at intellisupport.us
IntelliSupport
479 Kingsport Dr
Gurnee, IL
(224) 360-1221
