Easy Mobile Phones for Elderly

Big button mobile phones worked well for us for a while. Dementia or not, they are ideal for seniors in my opinion. Mama had never been used to smartphones so these were simple to use, one touch access was key.

The large buttons were much easier to see and press, reducing the chance of dialing the wrong number. Most also have an SOS button that can be programmed with emergency contacts. Like any mobile phone, you'll need a SIM card. I used a Pay-As-You-Go SIM in the UK.

All mobile phones need to be charged regularly. Please note that some of these phones do not have GPS capabilities, so you won’t be able to track the phone's location.

For me it was a matter of IF there was an emergency and someone found the phone, they could press the SOS button. Some were quite pricy which is why I had other tracking in place but I'm in the world of back ups so I added a mobile phone as a back up.

Geemarc Mobile Phone - UK

I've used several of Geemarc products and think they do a great job. This mobile phone has 4 large one-touch photo dialing. Just add a picture and your loved one presses and they are through. No complicated address book or dialing. Just one touch. After a bit I switched to the one below.

BUY ON AMAZON UK

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uleway Big Button Mobile phone - UK

This is the one I settled on. Great price and super easy. The main reason I liked this phone is that pressing the SOS button can allow up to 3 people to know that help was needed. Mama did not know how to dial out anymore so it was really a matter of the SOS button. Again it depends what's important to you.

BUY ON AMAZON UK

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Easyfone T6 4G Picture Button Cell Phone - USA

Pricy but another good one with 4 one-touch contacts. Again, there is an SOS button.

There is an automatic loop on the SOS until the call is answered.

BUY ON AMAZON USA

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JITTERBUG SMARTPHONE FOR SENIORS - USA

This is a smartphone so ideal if your loved one has used one before. If not, it can be difficult. Mama and a lot of her friends that have never used a mobile phone found this difficult. Available in the USA.

This one does have GPS tracking and they have come a long way.

Big icons are ideal. As well as direct connection to "Lively" which has customer service which has an emergency alert. Have never used this so can't comment on it but check the reviews on Amazon.

BUY ON AMAZON USA

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Wait...

I thought we were talking about mobile phones. We are and this is!!! Kind of... I ended up with this too when Mama had to go into a home. I was working with a client, and none of the mobile phones were working. Her grandmother had moved to a place where the phone connection was in an awkward location. They asked me to research and find a mobile phone that was as close to a traditional 'pick up the phone and make a call' experience as possible. and here it is. You do need a SIM and it can be plugged in so don't need to recharge.

BUY ON AMAZON UK

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If you'd like to see exactly how I set up our home, along with the things that worked, the things that didn't, and how I adapted as dementia progressed, you'll find it all in my caregiving planning handbook. You can also learn more on my How I Can Help page.