Phones For Elderly
There are different types of phones for elderly that make it easier for seniors to use, hear and be heard. Seniors benefit from phones that have large buttons, speed dial options, amplified speakers/handsets and other options.
This article covers:
Overview
Aging can affect seniors in a variety of ways. It can decrease their physical strength and balance but it can also affect their senses.
Many seniors experience decreased vision as well as hearing. They may also have short term memory issues and fine motor skills (such as unsteady hands).
These changes can affect their ability to use regular phones. They may have difficulty reading the buttons, pushing the buttons, hearing the caller, remembering phone numbers and even using the phone (some new phones are feature packed and require a thick instruction manual to figure out).
There are also phones for elderly that have a senior alarm or elderly medical alert feature that allows them to call for help if needed.
There are phones for elderly designed to meet all these needs.
Amplified Phones
Amplified phones are excellent for seniors with difficulty hearing. They have more powerful speakers that are compatible with hearing aids.
Some phones even use the hearing aid as an additional speaker (with bluetooth technology equipped hearing aids) and also have lights that flash - in addition to the regular ringing - to signal that there is an incoming call.
It works like a regular phone but the user can adjust the speaker volume. This allows people with and without hearing issues to use the same phone.
Click here to learn more about amplified phones
Cell Phones for Elderly
Cell phones for elderly are not only convenient but also a valuable safety tool. However, many are not designed for seniors with difficulty hearing, seeing, memory and other issues.
Many cell phones have small screens and buttons, can be complicated to use and have limited volume adjustments. These are not well suited for seniors.
However, there are models designed specifically for the needs of seniors. Some models even have a large emergency button similar to elderly medical alerts but can be used out of the home.
Click here to learn more about cell phones for elderly.
Key Features For Seniors
Many seniors experience a decrease in some of their senses (hearing, seeing, touching).
Key features that can make it easier to use phones for elderly include:
- Large Buttons And Screens - These make it easier to identify the buttons as well as push them.
- Contrasting Colors - Contrasting colors make it easier to read the buttons and features on the phone.
- Amplified Speakers - Allows the user to adjust the volume of the speaker.
- Speed Dial Buttons - Programmable speed dial numbers that allows users to program frequently called numbers. Some phones also allow users to put pictures on the buttons to easily identify the buttons.
- Senior/Emergency Alert - Some phones have a senior alarm or elderly medical alert feature. This is excellent for seniors that live alone and/or at risk for falls.
- Adjustable Ring and/or Lights - Some phones have both a ringer and lights that flash when there is an incoming call. This makes it easier for seniors to be notified that there is a call.
- Cordless Phone - Cordless phones have been around for a long time but they are especially useful for seniors as they may not be able to move quickly. This allows them to carry the phone with them where ever they are in the home (or their yard) - which is a great safety feature.
- Braille Phones - Some phones also have braille to identify buttons and other features. This is excellent for seniors with decreased vision.
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