Best Universal TV Remotes for Seniors

Universal TV remote controls allow you to operate your TV, cable box, and any streaming device you may have with just one piece of equipment. They’re quite handy for anyone who finds it challenging to handle several remotes, making them extremely useful for any senior who enjoys watching TV. However, when it comes to older adults, it’s necessary to consider some other factors as well. For example, if the senior has poor eyesight then having big buttons is essential to help them change channels at ease. Not only that, but simpler devices (with fewer buttons) are also useful for any less tech-savvy adult since they’re easier to handle and they lower the probability of accidentally messing with the TV settings.

Why a universal TV remote?

Universal TV remotes are the perfect piece of equipment to help your loved one take full advantage of cable TV and streaming services stress-free. They enable the user to operate all types of devices with only one remote, and everything can be set up beforehand, making it even easier to use. In other words, you can configure the universal TV remote for all devices, allowing the senior to change which equipment to control with a push of a button. This means seniors can control everything effortlessly without the risk of messing up the TV configurations, which usually ends up with the older adult getting up to fiddle with the TV. While this might seem like a small thing, for seniors it’s actually a big deal, as getting up isn’t easy and there’s always a risk of falling.

What to look for in a TV remote for the elderly

There are many factors you should bear in mind when looking for a universal TV remote for your loved one. The very first is to make sure that the TV remote is compatible with the devices owned by the senior. You can get the best universal TV remote control on the market, but if it’s incompatible with the TV it’s supposed to work with, it’s useless. Usually, you’ll find a list of all supported devices either in the product description (if you’re buying online) or in the information pamphlet (if you’re getting it at a store). Then, you should check how many simultaneously connected devices the remote supports. There are some that can accommodate up to eight pieces of equipment, but if that’s overkill, you can just get one that will control the necessary number of devices at a lower cost.

Of course, accessibility is of the utmost importance when getting a TV remote for the elderly, which means big and easy-to-press buttons and straightforward programming. Moreover, getting a programable TV remote is worthwhile as then you can program everything yourself. The universal remote should also be quite simple in its design – just a few buttons are enough for some people, such as channel, volume, and power.