Taking care of a family member or friend can be an emotionally taxing and experience.
People who are already experiencing symptoms of dementia, such as memory problems, confusion, and communication issues, will find it even more difficult to handle the situation as it unfolds.
It does not matter how old you are or if you suffer from a chronic mental or physical condition; connection is always crucial.
However, people who live alone need ways to connect and communicate with their families, and the inability of their families to speak with them may cause them to fear for their own safety, particularly if the senior has dementia.
A new diagnosis of dementia is discovered around the globe every three seconds, according to Alzheimer’s Disease International. Memory loss, trouble communicating, and a general sense of being lost and confused are all symptoms that accompany dementia.
These cognitive changes can be difficult for caregivers to manage, particularly if the person they are caring for lives alone.
There is a tangible link between isolation and the development of dementia. So naturally, this might be made easier if the person you care about lives close to family or friends. If this is not the case, however, you will need to consider other options, such as a dependable mobile phone equipped with various safety measures or the assistance of a caregiver.
Common Phone Issues That Seniors With Dementia Experience
A person’s ability to solve problems, their capacity to keep up with normal duties such as paying bills, and their ability to recall where they left their wallet or phone can all be negatively impacted by dementia. Because of this, it’s important to understand what your loved one’s abilities are, and if they are able to operate their current phone.
Because many types of dementia can first affect short-term memory, we need to make sure we are addressing the above.
Long-term memory is one of the last things to go, so it is one of the things left behind. Yet, they could even be able to keep these memories after they’ve learned how to operate a phone.
If a person’s impairment worsens, it does not mean that their need to connect will decrease. Instead of completely removing a phone from their loved one’s possession, families should reconsider the loved one’s preferred method of communication.
When a person with dementia attempts to operate the features and take care of a typical mobile phone or landline, they are likely to have a great deal of difficulty. For example, losing a phone can be a stressful experience, especially if it is expensive. In addition, many of today’s most popular phones do not provide an adequate level of usability for those with dementia.
When selecting a mobile phone or landline, the person’s abilities & stage of dementia stage should be taken into consideration. For example, a person with middle-stage Alzheimer’s disease may have trouble using a smartphone. In contrast, a person with minimal cognitive impairment may find it very easy to use the device.
No matter which phone is selected, members of the family or caregivers can program the device to assist the people they care for without adding to their own level of uncertainty. This may entail adding vital contact information, such as their children and emergency services, matching photographs with business cards, and turning off internet functionality.
People with dementia may find it difficult to maintain track of their cell phones without assistance from pouches or cases that can be hung around the neck like lanyards.
As a solution to the problem, a range of companies on the market have begun offering cell phones designed specifically for senior citizens who have dementia. But, as is well known, the market and the sheer number of products can be intimidating.
The mobile phones were selected according to how easily they could be used, how convenient they were, and which models were the most well-liked. Read more to find out what kinds of mobile phones are on the market for someone who is living with dementia.
5 Best Cell Phone For Seniors Living With Dementia
A phone is a must to help those who live alone and also for those who live with someone. Your loved one’s ability to communicate with neighbors, family, and medical experts can improve if they have a functional landline or cell phone.
A number of devices are listed below that aid in communicating and are easy to use. Large keys, vivid screens, and strong speakers are all included in these phones. It’s critical that your loved one has easy access to help in case of an emergency, which is why all of these options include emergency assistance.
So, without further ado, my recommendations for the best dementia-friendly phones are below. I find these phone types best for early stage to early part of the middle stage dementia.
1. Future Call (FC-0613) Picture Phone For Seniors
To begin, this is a corded phone, which means that in order to use it, you will need to connect it to a working landline or an internet connection. But if your loved one with dementia spends all of their time at home, the phone provides a number of features.
Features:
- One-touch dialing mode
- A convenient way to pick up and answer incoming calls
- Oversized buttons, each bearing a different image
- A button for emergencies that can be customized.
- Amplification is added to the speakerphone for those with hearing loss.
2. Acenis Terryphone
The TerryPhone is an easy-to-use yet high-tech landline phone that enables loved ones to maintain meaningful relationships with their families, friends, and caretakers. An LED flashes in a brilliant red and allows them to know when they have incoming calls. People with grip limitations such as arthritic hands will find this landline phone convenient to hold because of its ergonomic design The buttons are bigger, which will also help those who have vision impairments.
Features:
- Ergonomic grip
- One-touch dialing
- Loudspeaker with an amplified ringer
- Big keys
3. RAZ Memory Cell Phone
The RAZ Memory Cell Phone was created with people with dementia in mind, and it delivers a mobile experience that is both basic and visually stimulating. When you first look at this phone, you might think it’s your average smartphone, but after you switch it on, you’ll realize that it’s drastically different. Additionally, there is a dedicated 911 button on the main menu. As a result, it only takes a single tap to contact any of these people.
Additionally, this phone’s one-touch dial picture function makes it easier for people with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or cognitive impairments to stay in touch with loved ones. There is only one main screen on the phone, so users can add up to six key contacts’ photos and names to make it easier to find them.
Features:
- Caregiver Portal
- Easy to understand menus
- Picture dial
- One-Touch dialing
- GPS
4. Jitterbug Smart3
In addition to an emergency button and video chat, the Jitterbug Smart3 by Lively is the company’s most recent cell phone. With voice typing, older persons with dementia can communicate more quickly and safely in the event of an emergency, thanks to this phone.
To begin with, the Urgent Response button on this phone provides advanced medical alert capabilities in an emergency. In addition, lively’s 24/7 response and the monitoring center will automatically link you if you get lost and push the button.
In addition, the Brain Games on this phone make it an excellent choice for people with dementia who want to work on their memory, concentration, and focus. This software comes pre-installed on the device, making it an excellent resource for those living with dementia in the early stages.
Features:
- High-quality camera
- Easy menu and navigation
- Long-lasting battery
- Powerful speaker
- Voice texting
- Urgent response button
5. Vtech Amplified Photo DIAL Accessory Handset
Those with dementia or hearing loss can have crystal-clear chats with the help of this phone. With this dependable cordless handset, big buttons, 50dB audio assistance, and caller ID announcement make calls easier than ever. Allows you to upload a picture of yourself to each number and make one-touch phone calls easily for the seniors.
Features:
- Big buttons
- Senior-friendly photo dial
- Flashlight for incoming calls
- Amplified speakerphone
Features to Look For in Cell Phones & Landlines For Seniors With Dementia
Now that you know which phones are the best, let’s have a look at the features that make the best phone for people living with dementia.
1. Big Buttons
It is common for our eyesight to deteriorate as we age. And in such a scenario, a person living with dementia will almost certainly have difficulties reading words that are too small. Because of this, you should look for a landline & mobile phone with a screen and buttons that are simple to read.
If this does not change, the seniors will have feelings of helplessness and inadequacy if they are forced to depend on another person for everything.
2. Bright Screen
As we get older, we may notice changes in our vision. Those living with dementia will experience changes in visuospatial abilities as dementia progresses. The mobile phone that is most suited for seniors with dementia must have large and well-lit displays. However, it’s not as important as how big the screen is as the typeface and icons are!
3. Tracking Feature
This could be helpful for those living with seniors with dementia to have on their mobile phones. Because of this characteristic, it may be feasible for others to locate them in the event that they become disoriented and wander off. You will have no trouble using the available choice to keep an eye on your loved one the senior citizen who requires assistance.
4. Longer Battery Life
Again, selecting a mobile device with a battery that has a longer life or that is capable of lasting for an extended period is essential. Why? Those who have Alzheimer’s disease or dementia can forget to charge their phones due to impairments noted in short term memory. Because of this, we have to ensure that they have access to a phone that has longer battery life.
5. Voice Calling
One of the most recent developments that have significantly impacted how we go about our daily lives is voice automation. For example, someone living with dementia may find it easier to make phone calls or send texts if they use a smartphone equipped with Google Voice or Siri.
6. Potential Damage Protection
Because people with dementia are more likely to forget things, there is a good probability that they will damage their cell phones somehow. They risk forgetting where they set down the mobile phone, which could lead to significant problems.
Therefore, when we go to purchase a cell phone for them, we need to choose one that is constructed robustly and offers increased protection. For instance, using a glass of superior grade or a cover of comparable caliber could decrease the extent of the damage.
7. Emergency Button
Another feature that has the potential to prevent someone from losing their life is the SOS button.
A person with dementia is more prone to getting confused and panicked when in danger. They will be able to summon assistance more quickly if there is a distinct button labeled “SOS.”
8. Sound Amplification
Although having a dementia diagnosis won’t directly affect one’s ability to hear, hearing loss is more common as we age. When someone is hard of hearing, The mobile phone that you select should have a function that can boost the volume of sounds when needed.
To Sum Up
Unfortunately, dementia can make a person’s life more difficult, but there are assistive technologies that can make daily tasks less challenging. These choices presented above can be good alternatives to the other options out there.
There are a variety of landline & mobile phones on the market now that are designed for people with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Look for a cell phone and landline phone that has big buttons, a simplified design, and improved security features like fall detection or an SOS button that helps connect you to a monitoring center that is open around the clock or a certified emergency response agent.
These are some essential qualities to look for in a landline or mobile device. If you want to stay in touch with family members and feel less isolated or lonely, investing in a dependable landline or cell phone can help you do both of those things. Whether you’re looking for a more affordable phone option or one that’s built specifically with voice control or medical alert features, having a phone in your possession can help.
References
- https://www.seniorliving.org/cell-phone/best/dementia/
- https://www.forbes.com/health/healthy-aging/best-cell-phone-for-seniors-with-dementia/
- https://www.theseniorlist.com/cell-phones/best/dementia/
- https://joyofandroid.com/cell-phone-for-seniors-with-dementia/
- https://www.caring.com/best-cell-phones-for-seniors/what-is-the-best-cellphone-for-seniors-with-dementia/
- https://convergeddevices.net/best-cell-phone-for-seniors-with-dementia/
- https://etechzones.com/phone-for-seniors-with-dementia/
- https://newhopepsychology.com/best-cell-phone-for-seniors-with-dementia/
