A telephone is an important tool for any senior that wants to stay connected to the outside world and retain a form of independence. The problem is that most normal telephones can be difficult to use. Seniors with hearing issues may not hear the phone ring or understand the voice on the other end of the line. Those with sight problems may not be able to read the dial pad properly. Those with dementia and memory issues may not be able to recall and dial numbers. This is when it pays to find a phone that is better suited to the need of seniors.
There are many adapted phones that use larger dial pads, photographs on speed dial buttons and improved volume controls to help users with different needs. There are also some phones that don’t dial out, for those in the severe stages of dementia. The following 5 products are designed to make life a little easier for seniors and the relatives caring for them. None of these products is 100% perfect. That is why we have created a series of objective reviews with pros and cons.
1) Foto Dialer
Devices like this Foto Dialer are designed to help the more vulnerable and less able in a crisis. The link up to a normal telephone on an analogue line to provide a more convenient way to locate contacts. Some use this as a way of teaching children about emergency services. Others use this so relatives with dementia can call family independently.
The pros and cons of this telephone device for seniors with dementia.
Pros:
- The simple connection to any analogue line
- The number of photo slots and pages
- The internal memory
Cons:
- The small, delicate tabs on the pages
- The difficulty in reprogramming the system
The basic idea and design of this system are great for people with dementia and memory issues. Each page in the Foto Dialer has four adequately sized slots where users can add photos or other images. This could be a photograph of a loved one or one of the clear symbols for healthcare and emergency services. Users can then programme in the corresponding numbers and be sure that ever contact is easy to reach. An added bonus here is the fact the internal memory recalls these numbers, even if there is a dead battery or a power cut.
All of these design features sound great in theory. But, there is one clear flaw that the company has overlooked. The phone uses a series of 6 pages, all which neatly lie on top of each other within the device. Each page has a small plastic tab that isn’t that easy for some older users to handle. There are also some carers that say it is too difficult to re-programme the system. It seems that once all the numbers are set, users are expected to only want those numbers as long as they have the phone. This isn’t helpful if family members move or change their mobile number.
Is it recommendable?
The designers have clearly made a massive error in the design that will limit the ease of use for those with arthritis and other mobility issues. However, there are plenty of other benefits in the design with the number of pictures and simple connections. This won’t work for everyone, but it still has potential for many dementia patients.
2. FotoDialer Telephone Speed Dialer
This device easily attaches to most phones (even office phones!) and enables the person to dial multiple phone numbers by 1) picking up the phone and 2) pressing the black button next to the associated picture. FotoDialer has the capacity to memorize up to 24 phone numbers (four pictures on each of six pages); the pages must be kept in correct order. Two AA batteries required (not included).
Pros
- Setup is easy.
- Large plastic pockets allow for easy-to-see large photographs. TIP It may take some time getting family and friends to give you photographs. At the next family holiday, bring your digital camera and take photographs!
- The supplied 911 card is a nice feature.
- You can still manually dial any number and use the phone as you normally would.
Cons
- The person may find it difficult to learn a new way of using the phone (lifting the handset and then using the FotoDialer), so it’s important to train the person and leave instructions. We recommend that you replace the set up instructions on the inside cover of the dialer with simpler instructions on how to use it.
- The person may push the photograph rather than the button next to it when they go to dial a number. You may want to put a label next to the button as we did on our test phone. “Press button to call Dan”
- The person may not remember they need to lift up each page in order to “dial” the number for an individual, or even that there are pages underneath! If so, consider using only four photographs on the top page with labels on the side.
Is it recommendable?
As this dialer works differently than a standard phone, the person may not be able to use it. Be sure to train the person to push the button next to the photograph instead of pushing the buttons on the telephone (or the photograph).
3) Serrene Amplified Photo Dialer
This product takes the idea of the Foto Dialer and combines it with a normal phone – so that buyers don’t need to have two devices to worry about. This could make things a lot easier and more convenient for those with cognitive issues as there is just the one system to concentrate on.
The pros and cons of this telephone device for seniors with dementia.
Pros:
- The built-in photos with the dialling system
- The additional features for the hearing impaired
- The large buttons
The design of this phone is a lot nicer than that of the Foto Dialer and there are large, clearly labelled buttons for all the numbers, settings and speakerphone function. Additional benefits with this system come from the features for the hearing impaired. The phone amplifies the sound coming from the line up to 26dB to make it easier to follow a conversation. It is also compatible with hearing aids. Most buyers and users are happy with the system and say that it makes things much easier. Callers can pick a number by picture alone and enjoy conversations better than before.
There are some small issues with this product that shouldn’t be overlooked here. First of all, this phone doesn’t have as many photo slots as the Foto Dialer. Nine slots could be more than enough for the average user, but does this include all friends, family, medical services and emergency numbers? There is also a complaint that the body of the device isn’t that durable. One user knocked it off the table – as it quite likely with frailer users – and the buttons came off.
Is it recommendable?
Again, there are elements to this device where the designers could have put in a little more thought. It would be helpful if it were more durable. Still, the majority of users are impressed with what they receive with this product. Many are able to enjoy phone conversations again and use this with ease. Therefore, it is recommendable for those with memory problems and hearing impairments – especially the later.
4) RCA 1123-1WTGA Big Button Phone
This next product is similar to the one above in its desire to help seniors with various medical conditions. It also has a similar layout with the photo button on the top, a large keypad beneath and the receiver to the left. The phone should help those with memory problems, eyesight issues and hearing difficulties.
The pros and cons of this telephone device for seniors with dementia.
Pros:
- The clear all-in-one design
- The visual aids on the ringer and other indicators
- The amplification and compatibility with hearing aids.
Cons:
- The lack of photo buttons
- The volume on the ringer
The main selling point with this product is the way that it appeals to users with different needs. There are the 4 picture panels on the top that act as a speed dial for important contacts. Then there is the size of the buttons on the keypad, the size of the text and the additional lights and visual cues for the visually impaired. Finally the system hearing aid compatible with an amplified volume. There are lots of seniors with impairments that gain a little more independence with this system. It isn’t too difficult to use.
The first downside here is that there are only four spaces for photos on the top of this system. This feature is more a secondary element than a primary focus. Therefore, users will have to consider their contacts a little more carefully. There are others that say that while the volume on the amplifier is great, the ringer on the phone isn’t quite loud enough. This seems like a simple mistake that the brand should have considered.
Is it recommendable?
Ignoring the issues with the ringer, there is no reason not to give this phone a try if you have an elderly relative with eyesight or hearing issues. There is also potential here for those with dementia and memory issues, although there aren’t as many options as there are with other systems.
5) ClearSounds CSCSC500 Amplified Telephone
This next model shows that there is a common trend with these photo phones for seniors. The design here is similar to the products above and the system contains many of the top features that carers and seniors now look for. This is a good example of a product that tries to tick all the right boxes for mass appeal. For the most part, it succeeds pretty well.
The pros and cons of this telephone device for seniors with dementia.
Pros:
- The range of features for users with different needs
- The increased volume compared to other products
- The strong construction
Cons:
- The way that the receiver fits into the cradle
- Some missing features that were on the wish lists of buyers
There are lots of great features here that users and carers approve of. The volume of this product is louder than some other phones – and this is true for both the ringer and the amplifier on the receiver. This is a greater help for those with hearing impairments. Then there is the 8 one-touch photo button on the side, the size of the keypad and some additional functions that put the user in control of the calls. The system is pretty easy to use and has the added bonus of mounting hardware so it can attach to the wall.
Because this product already does so much to appeal to a mass market, there are lots of buyers that mark it down for small flaws. There are some that wonder why there is no answerphone system to help those that struggle to reach the phone in time. Others wished that there was a cordless receiver. On the subject of the receiver, this doesn’t always fit into the cradle of the device properly. It can slip, especially when users choose to mount this to the wall. This is a problem when seniors think they have hung up correctly but haven’t.
Is it recommendable?
You can’t please all of the people all of the time. There will always be some people that see the downsides to products like this. In an ideal world, it would have absolutely everything that users want for complete ease of use and peace of mind. As it is, this system isn’t too far off the mark. The design of the receiver is an issue. But, it is the only major issue that users seem to experience here. Therefore, it is still recommendable to a lot of different seniors.
6. Clarity P300 Picture ID Mild Hearing Loss Amplified Corded Phone
This phone is essentially designed for people with some hearing loss, but they can be useful in many other cases as well.
Pros
- Setup and memory programming are simple.
- One step process to use. To dial a number, the person presses the photo of the person they want to speak with; they can also dial the number using the number keypad. Some other picture phones require you to press a separate button to switch from the numbers to the picture mode, a two-step process not recommended for people with dementia.
- Large dial pad; some have a bright visual ring indicator
- Adjustable incoming volume control and extra loud ringer, depending on model, and hearing aid compatible
Cons
- Some plastic frames for photographs are very small (7/8″ x 1″) and may be hard to see, especially if the person has low vision. Consider a model with larger photos.
- And you need headshots for this small size photograph for the best viewing. As it may take some time getting family and friends to give you photographs, bring your digital camera to the next family holiday.
- The amplification feature resets to regular volume when you hang up and must be turned on each time to use it. This prevents users with normal hearing from the shock of amplification, but requires the person with dementia who needs amplification to turn it on every time they use the phone, which is not likely.
- Person may be confused by both the photographs and the numbers. One model come with an optional cover that fits over the number buttons leaving only the picture buttons visible.
As this phone is different from a standard phone, the person may not be able to use it. Be sure to train the person to push the photograph instead of the buttons (though the number keypad still works). To reduce confusion on how to dial a number, you may need to add a large label: “Push the person’s photo to call the person.”
7) Cortelco Red Desk No Dial
This final product is something a little bit different. The main aim with the products above is to provide a sense of independence for seniors and allow them to make vital calls. Unfortunately, there will be times where it is not safe or practical for seniors to have a phone with outward dialling capabilities. Users may dial emergency numbers too often or wrong numbers by mistake. This one-way system offers a compromise instead of taking the phone away.
The pros and cons of this telephone device for seniors with dementia.
Pros:
- The old-fashioned look to the phone
- Receives calls like any “normal” phone
- Hearing aid compatible
Cons:
- The ringer isn’t loud enough
- Costly for the lack of features
There isn’t much to say about the performance and ease of use of this product. Carers can set this up like a normal phone and be sure that they can contact their relative. There is nothing in the design that would suggest that seniors may be able to dial out. Many get used to this new system quite quickly. The look of this big red phone will also appeal to plenty of users that like the design of retro phones from their younger days.
There is no doubt that this phone works as advertised. But, some people wonder whether they are paying a little too much here for such a simple product. The design and build are very simplistic and there are no additional functions aside from the receiver and volume controls. Why do models that look the same and dial out cost so much more? Speaking of the volume, there are some that say that this wasn’t made for the hard of hearing and needs to be louder.
Is it recommendable?
This phone has its place in the market. There are times when a dial pad on a phone is just an invitation for mischief and mistakes. This simple product ensures that seniors are always contactable while eliminating this risk. There are flaws in the volume and the focus solely on dementia patients. Still, this could be a great aid in the right home.
