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7 Best Cell Phones for Seniors with Dementia
Written by Grace Styron
about the author
9 minute readLast updated May 23, 2022
When it comes to finding the best cell phone for seniors with dementia, there’s no one right option. Ultimately, choosing a phone will depend on your loved one’s specific needs and preferences. How tech savvy are they? Is affordability a priority? Whatever the case is, find a specialized phone that your loved one is comfortable with and can use with ease. Read on to learn about the best cell phones designed to help seniors stay safe and connected to loved ones.
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In this Article
What to look for in phones for people with dementia
Determining the best phone for your loved one should primarily depend on their dementia-related symptoms. However, safety features and usability are key in any cell phone for dementia patients. When searching for a phone that’s suitable for a senior with dementia, look for the following qualities:
- Simple, easy-to-use functions with minimal bells and whistles
- Large screens, font, and buttons that are easy to see and use
- Safety features, such as an emergency function or GPS locating device, for easy access to help in urgent situations
- Voice-activated calling and prompts for faster, simpler usability
- Long battery life so daily charging isn’t necessary
Overall best phone for seniors with dementia
The RAZ Memory Cell Phone is an innovative cell phone designed specifically for seniors with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. The device allows seniors to easily stay connected with their loved ones and avoid social isolation. It provides an easy-to-use experience with no applications, confusing settings, or unwanted notifications or system updates. Some of the phone’s most noteworthy features include: The best part? The RAZ includes a Remote Manage feature. By downloading the app on their own cell phone, a caregiver can manage certain aspects of their loved one’s device. They can edit the senior’s contacts, send reminders, track their location, and more. Their loved one will be able to see those changes right away. RAZ understands how common imagined emergencies resulting from paranoia or agitation can be among seniors with dementia. For an annual fee, users can purchase a RAZ Mobility Emergency Plan, which helps prevent unnecessary 911 calls. This optional service replaces the one-touch 911 button and directs 911 calls to an internal emergency dispatch agent. The agent is aware the caller has memory loss and can determine whether contacting 911 is necessary. This phone is unlocked and compatible with all wireless providers, including Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile.
- One large touchscreen with big, clear buttons
- Pictures displayed with each contact number
- Voice and video calls
- Easy one-touch dial
- Quiet hours, when the phone will automatically silence calls
- Reminders for things like medications and appointments
- Location tracking
- 911 emergency button
Easiest dementia phone to use
The Easyfone T200 4G Unlocked is a simple and straightforward cell phone for seniors with dementia. The phone is designed exclusively for calling and texting — there is no camera or internet connection available. With that in mind, it’s great for seniors who are not tech-savvy, but who want a reliable way to stay in touch with their friends and family. Basic functions and safety features of the Easyfone include: The Easyfone T200 4G Unlocked is compatible with the T-Mobile carrier and comes with a charging dock, USB cable, US standard charger, and one battery.
- Hearing aid compatibility
- SOS emergency button
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Large buttons
- Backlit screen
- Long-lasting battery
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Best flip phone
The Jitterbug Flip2 is a classic, well-loved flip-style phone produced by Lively that’s been on the market for years. It’s user friendly, compact, and easily navigable. Thanks to its large buttons, bright screen, and powerful speaker, staying connected to friends and family is easy. The following senior-friendly functions make it one of the best phones for dementia patients: This cell phone even features built-in Amazon Alexa technology. Seniors can use their voice to write texts, make calls, check weather updates, and more. The Jitterbug Flip2 is powered by Verizon and offers a variety of affordable plans. Users have the option to add Lively Health and Safety packages to their plan that can include access to services like Lively Urgent Care, Lively Rides, and the Lively Link app.
- Urgent Response button with access to the Lively Response Team
- Large screen and buttons
- Long-lasting battery
- Quality camera
- One-touch speed dialing
- Magnifier and flashlight
Best smartphone
While the Jitterbug Flip2 is a traditional flip phone, those who are more tech-savvy may enjoy the Jitterbug Smart3. This is a simple smartphone with the same safety features and access to Lively services as the Jitterbug Flip2, but with a sleek touchscreen design and video chat capability. The 6.2-inch screen makes reading, typing, and video calling easier. Notable senior-friendly features include:
- Easy-to-navigate menu
- Voice typing
- Video chat
- Long-lasting battery
- Preloaded how-to guides
- Urgent Response button
Best GPS tracking phone
Although the KidsConnect KC2 was originally designed for children, it’s often purchased for seniors with dementia, too. With minimal bells and whistles, the phone is designed with a single touchscreen displaying the date and time, signal strength, Wi-Fi connection, and battery level. There are four buttons below the screen. One serves as a one-touch emergency dial button while the others serve as programmable speed dial options. In addition to those, the phone is equipped with a directory of up to 15 numbers that your loved one can call or text. Similar to the RAZ Memory Cell Phone, the KC2 has a caregiver monitoring option. Features caregivers can track from their own cell phone include: The KidsConnect KC2 functions on the T-Mobile 4G LTE network. Rather than connecting with a T-Mobile SIM card, the device uses one of KidsConnect’s own monthly plans, plus an unlimited talk and text option for an increased price.
- Up to three pre-programmed speed dial numbers
- Built-in GPS with real-time tracking
- SOS button for emergencies
- Voice monitoring to listen to the senior’s surroundings
- Location history
- GeoFencing, which sends a text notification when your loved one enters or leaves a predetermined area
Best accessibility and safety features
The Snapfon ezFlip 4G is a senior flip phone designed for those with visual impairments. The screen uses high contrast colors, large fonts, and adjustable brightness levels. Seniors can use the phone to call friends and relatives, send pictures and memories, browse the internet, check incoming weather, and listen to their favorite music.
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Easy-to-use, dementia-friendly features include: In addition to traditional cellular service, Snapfon offers sosPlus mobile monitoring service. For a monthly cost, this service essentially turns the phone into a medical alert system. You get quick access to trained monitoring agents who can assist your loved one if there’s an emergency. Check with your carrier to see if they are compatible with Snapfon. Typically, Snapfon uses T-Mobile, AT&T, or SnapMobile as a cellular service provider.
- Built-in fall detection
- GPS and Wi-Fi
- SOS emergency button
- Hearing aid compatibility
- Enlarged keypad
- Bright screen and simplified menus
Best touchscreen
While the GrandPad isn’t technically a cell phone, it offers several similar features. With this tablet-style device, users can stay connected with friends and family through video chats and phone calls. On top of that, the device has apps and services, such as games, email, radio, and an internet browser available on the home screen. It has a sleek and simple design with the following senior-friendly features: To use the GrandPad, you’ll have to purchase the subscription service. This comes with insurance, internet connection, and a private family network. Family members and caregivers can download the free GrandPad companion app to share photos and videos, make a video call, update contact information, and more.
- Ergonomic design, plus a durable stylus
- Large buttons and an intuitive interface
- Enlarged, easy-to-read text
- Voice and video calls to stay connected with family or call for help in an emergency
- Built-in wireless data connectivity — no frustrating modems or passwords required
- Helps protect against elder fraud, like cybercrime and other scams
- Unlimited access to a support team
- Comes ready-to-use, preloaded with predetermined contacts and preferences
Why phones for seniors with dementia matter
Anyone with dementia may be prone to dangerous wandering or be at risk of developing loneliness from senior isolation. Memory care technology and products like specialized GPS trackers and assistive devices can help seniors stay safe and comfortable. With a specialized dementia cell phone, caregivers can track their loved one’s location, easily contact emergency services when needed, and keep in touch without confusion. If keeping track of your loved one is becoming difficult, it may be time to consider other options. For help finding a memory care community, consider contacting a Senior Care Advisor at OurParents to find the right care option for you.
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References
Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI). ADI – Dementia Statistics.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, April 29). Loneliness and social isolation linked to serious health conditions.
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