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Phones for Older Seniors

rcull
Just Moved In

I don't understand why neither Telus, nor any other provider in Canada doesn't offer a cell phone suitable for older seniors. I have a mother in law who is 94 and quite capable, but has difficulty with technology. Why are they left out?

 

A cell phone for the aged should have certain features.

- simple operation, not too many extras

- large number display

- docking station (so they may tend to leave it where it will stay charged)

1 ACCEPTED SOLUTION

NFtoBC
Community Power User
Community Power User

@rcull wrote:

A cell phone for the aged should have certain features.

- simple operation, not too many extras

- large number display

- docking station (so they may tend to leave it where it will stay charged)


Though it may take a bit of set-up at the beginning, just about any current smartphone meets these needs. Android phones also have the option to add skins that offer larger visibility of Icons, etc.

 

You can dumb down any phone for simple operation.

 

Dialing can be as simple as "Hey Siri / Google, call <rcull>. Or, "Hey Siri / Google, Dial 1-800-234-1234". No need to use a dial pad. There are also a number of options in the Accessibility section of the phone for those with visibility or hearing impairments.

 

Many new phones can use a charging pad and there are all sorts of charging stands which use a standard charging adapter to allow a docking station format.  There are also landline-type phones with Cellular link properties allowinght cell phone to be used through a standard format phone when at home.

 

And, there are still flip phones available from Telus, and candy-bar phones available from other vendors, if you want those specific form factors.

 

NFtoBC
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3 REPLIES 3

Nighthawk
Community Power User
Community Power User

I think for most providers the issue is they aren't in high demand and even finding one that meets those criteria isn't always easy, especially the docking station.

 

Would something like this meet your needs? 

https://www.jethroshop.com/product-page/sc318v2r-3g-bar-style


If you find a post useful, please give the author a "Like" or mark as an accepted solution if it solves your trouble. 🙂

NFtoBC
Community Power User
Community Power User

@rcull wrote:

A cell phone for the aged should have certain features.

- simple operation, not too many extras

- large number display

- docking station (so they may tend to leave it where it will stay charged)


Though it may take a bit of set-up at the beginning, just about any current smartphone meets these needs. Android phones also have the option to add skins that offer larger visibility of Icons, etc.

 

You can dumb down any phone for simple operation.

 

Dialing can be as simple as "Hey Siri / Google, call <rcull>. Or, "Hey Siri / Google, Dial 1-800-234-1234". No need to use a dial pad. There are also a number of options in the Accessibility section of the phone for those with visibility or hearing impairments.

 

Many new phones can use a charging pad and there are all sorts of charging stands which use a standard charging adapter to allow a docking station format.  There are also landline-type phones with Cellular link properties allowinght cell phone to be used through a standard format phone when at home.

 

And, there are still flip phones available from Telus, and candy-bar phones available from other vendors, if you want those specific form factors.

 

NFtoBC
If you find a post useful, please give the author a "Kudo"


@NFtoBC wrote:


Though it may take a bit of set-up at the beginning, just about any current smartphone meets these needs. Android phones also have the option to add skins that offer larger visibility of Icons, etc.

 

You can dumb down any phone for simple operation.

 

Dialing can be as simple as "Hey Siri / Google, call <rcull>. Or, "Hey Siri / Google, Dial 1-800-234-1234". No need to use a dial pad. There are also a number of options in the Accessibility section of the phone for those with visibility or hearing impairments.

 

Many new phones can use a charging pad and there are all sorts of charging stands which use a standard charging adapter to allow a docking station format.  There are also landline-type phones with Cellular link properties allowinght cell phone to be used through a standard format phone when at home.

 

And, there are still flip phones available from Telus, and candy-bar phones available from other vendors, if you want those specific form factors.

 


I totally agree, an Easy Mode is available on many android smartphones, the easy mode increases Icon and Text sizes and reduces the options they have unless turned off to make it as uncomplicated as possible. Although they aren't perfect, they can definitely help.

 

IOS/iPhones are quite simple too and offer a larger text option upon set up.