Dementia patients need smartphones that are tailored to their circumstances. There are a lot of devices that are specifically designed to accommodate people with dementia, and this article will highlight them.
Nevertheless, before making a purchase, you should know about the challenges that demented smartphone users face and how to pick a device that has the appropriate features and characteristics for an elderly loved one with dementia.
Should a person with dementia have a cell phone?
Yes, a person with dementia can have a cell phone as long as they can use it. Keep in mind that some dementia patients may run into difficulties or confusion when they don’t have the right device.
Common Phone Problems Faced by the Elderly With Dementia
If you have an elderly loved one who is diagnosed with dementia, you must be aware of the following problems that they may face when using a cell phone:
- Your friend or family member could lose the device.
- If your loved one isn’t accustomed to smartphones, getting one may require them to learn a new skill.
- A hard-to-use device can create more confusion for dementia patients. For example, they could lose or forget their passwords.
- CDPAP caregivers may have to take away smartphones from seniors with dementia, particularly when the patient is at risk of accessing their bank account, stock portfolio, or retirement funds for inappropriate uses.
In short, you must choose a cell phone that makes life easier for your demented friend or family member, as opposed to one that creates more stress and confusion.
Choosing a Phone for Someone With Dementia
Here are some desirable features and characteristics that make a smartphone suitable for a dementia patient:
- It is easy to navigate
- Has simple functions
- Displays content in an easy-to-read manner on a big screen with large and clear numbers or letters
- Has big buttons
- Allows for voice-activated calls
- Comes with enhanced and reliable safety features
- Has apps that allow the user to set reminders
- Has a long battery life
Luckily, there are plenty of devices on the market that retain these features and more, which makes them ideal for dementia patients.
Top 5 Phones for Someone With Dementia
The following smartphones are the best options for a demented friend or family member that needs one:
1. T-Mobile Alcatel GO FLIP 3
This flip phone comes without any frills or unnecessary widgets, which makes it easy to use and navigate.
The T-Mobile Alcatel GO FLIP 3’s price tag is $100. Alternatively, you could purchase this smartphone for your loved one under a payment plan that costs $40 per month.
2. Jitterbug Flip2
The Jitterbug Flip2 is ideal because of its long battery life and loud speaker. Just as with the previous option, this smartphone costs $100, and it’s available for buying under a payment plan that could be as low as $14.99 per month.
3. Jitterbug Smart3
This is arguably the simplest smartphone ever. The Jitterbug Smart3 has a notably large screen, but it’s price-tag of $149 makes it a bit more expensive than the previous two options.
Having said that, if you prefer to finance it with a payment plan, you can purchase this phone for $14.99 per month. Moreover, you could include data for a monthly cost of only $2.49.
4. Link II From Consumer Cellular
If you’re looking for an affordable smartphone for a dementia patient, the Link II From Consumer Cellular is amongst your best options. For a start, its large keypad makes this smartphone simple and easy-to-use.
As far as its price tag is concerned, the Link II From Consumer Cellular only costs $35. With a payment plan, you would pay a mere $15 per month.
5. Snapfon ezTWO3G
One of the most notable features of this phone is that it has an SOS button, which could potentially be lifesaving in certain situations.
Furthermore, the Snapfon ezTWO3G comes with built-in fall-detection capabilities, allowing you to be notified whenever your loved one falls or requires help.
Above all, this phone is the cheapest one on our list. Buying it will cost you $33.95 and financing is available for as low as $10 per month.
Which Phone to Choose?
In a few words, picking the right phone for a senior with dementia depends on their needs, vulnerabilities (falling often, for instance), and what they can afford.
As long as the phone retains the main benefits that make it appropriate for dementia patients (simple functions, big buttons, a long battery life, …etc.), it should allow you to avoid or minimize the common problems that demented smartphone users run into (losing the device or getting confused, to name a couple of examples).