Best Home Phones for Seniors

What to look for in a home phone for an older adult

Landline phones for seniors need to address the physical and cognitive challenges that may make it hard for the elderly to use smartphones. As such, when selecting a device, a senior or their caregiver needs to put usability and accessibility first, reflected in features like:

• Large, widely spaced keys on backlit keypads.
• Simple interface with one-function buttons.
• One-touch emergency services button.
• High sound quality and adjustable volume.
• Hands-free speakers.
• If cordless, long battery life or docking stations for easy charging.
• Picture buttons.
• Additional handsets for other rooms.

Setting up the phone needs to be easy, so clear and simple instructions are a must. For hearing-impaired seniors, it’s essential to look for devices that support T-coil-enabled hearing aids or cochlear implants.

Finally, it’s worth considering any warranties the manufacturer or retailer provides in case the telephone doesn’t function as expected. Free shipping can be another deciding factor for seniors with mobility limitations who prefer may home delivery.

Corded vs cordless phones: which one is best for seniors

Long are the days when people were forced to sit in a specific spot if they wanted to make a call. Today, most landline phones can be used around the home with minimal limitations.

The best cordless phones provide flexibility and convenience for seniors, especially those with mobility issues. These devices often have accessible designs with large buttons, backlit displays, and amplification options, catering to the needs of people with visual or hearing difficulties.

Wireless phone systems usually offer additional handsets that can be placed throughout the house, as well. However, these phones are battery dependent and need regular charging. They may also be lost once they run out of charge and so are not ideal for individuals with memory impairment, such as Alzheimer’s.

Additionally, their limited signal range can worsen the quality of calls if users move too far from the base unit. So seniors and caregivers seeking more reliability may want to stick with a corded telephone.

Still, it’s worth considering that a corded phone still needs to be used reasonably close to its base unit. While this may be perfect for a senior living in a care facility, this may not be appropriate for someone living alone at home, especially in a big house. If an emergency was to happen in a room without a phone, the senior may find it challenging to seek help.

Amplified phones for the hearing impaired

Communicating over the phone can be difficult for seniors with hearing difficulties. Amplified phones remedy this in numerous ways, such as with devices that can enhance the caller’s voice by up to 20 decibels. A loud ring and flashing lights also help seniors notice incoming calls.

Increasing the volume isn’t the only strength in an amplified phone’s arsenal. Like other products on the market, these devices boast larger buttons and numbers for better visibility, instant emergency calling, bigger display screens, speed dial, and the ability to alter buttons to include a loved one’s photo. Amplified home phones come in both wired and cordless forms.

If the hearing-impaired person lives in a large home, they should consider installing standalone amplifiers in multiple rooms. They connect to the landline just like the phone and emit a loud noise every time there is a call. They work best when stationed in regularly occupied rooms, such as the bedroom or kitchen.

Smartphones vs home phones for seniors

Family members and caregivers may reason that a smartphone is a superior option for seniors. They’re small, lightweight, and serve a wide variety of purposes. Their portability can easily suit the lifestyles of active people who spend a lot of time outdoors.

It’s far easier to adjust the audio level on a smartphone, not to mention the many options for vibration, lights, and ringtones to help attract attention to a call. App stores mean that smartphones can end up being a constant source of entertainment and stimulation.

Additionally, they offer many health apps that help keep the elderly engaged and active, alongside the various medical alert app options currently on the market.

On the downside, smartphones require a certain level of tech know-how. Seniors may lose their patience while fiddling with the sensitive touchscreen or break something accidentally, such as deleting their contacts. In the end, they may well give up on the ‘fancy’ device and return to the tried-and-true landline phone.

Emergency calling

Regardless of the type of phone, relying only on these devices may not always be enough. Even with home phones for seniors equipped with 911 on speed dial, being in a state to effectively explain a situation to an operator is not guaranteed. Furthermore, there are instances where seniors may be unable to reach the phone, such as by losing consciousness or being injured.

However, medical alert systems can help:

• Their base stations are compatible with landlines, automatically calling monitoring centers when the wearable button is pressed.
• Care agents have access to customers’ medical files to inform paramedics quickly.
• Medical alert hubs are equipped with enhanced two-way communication, and agents will stay on the line until help arrives to provide reassurance.
• The devices’ wearability helps users seek help no matter the setting.

Additionally, most medical alert system providers offer pendants that provide fall detection. If these finely tuned devices detect a collapse, they automatically send a distress signal without any manual input, ensuring that help promptly arrives.

Everyone can have peace of mind using such advanced technology, safe in the knowledge that help is always available at the mere press of a button.