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Large Button Phones for Seniors

Updated on April 9, 2013

Big Button Phones for the Elderly

As we get older, we begin to realize that our loved ones are aging, too. We worry about our parents and grandparents and their ability to get in touch with us for help. One barrier for them, and eventually all of us, is working with technology and the speed with which it changes. Phones are subject to the fastest change.

Many seniors have become accustomed to using the same types of phones they are familiar with. Age, however, can diminish eyesight, making dialing phones a great deal harder. I used to worry about my mother (God rest) and insisted she get a phone with large buttons. After fussing and fighting about it, she finally relented and was glad she did.

I'm hoping that this lens can help others find a phone to assist the seniors in their lives find a better lifeline to their friends and families.

Big Button Corded Telephones

Corded phones have been a part of communication longer than mobile phones. I remember using them in my house growing up. Yes, I'm that old. They offer the familiarity that many seniors expect. With large numbers and a screen to verify which number has been dialed, these phones are a good choice for the elderly who need the comfort of a design they are used to .

It is also a plus that these phones are still able to be dialed in the event of a power failure. This can be a great safety measure for those who need to contact family or emergency services in these situations.

Another benefit is that the majority of these telephones can have the volume adjusted for the hard of hearing.

Large Button Corded Phones for the Elderly

AT&T CL4940 Corded Standard Phone with Answering System and Backlit Display, White
AT&T CL4940 Corded Standard Phone with Answering System and Backlit Display, White
This phone's display can adjust the angle for easier viewing. The volume on the speaker can be changed for those with hearing difficulty.
 
Uniden Big Button Desktop Corded Phone - (CEZ260 W)
Uniden Big Button Desktop Corded Phone - (CEZ260 W)
I like the fact that this phone stores the last 60 numbers that have been received. It can also store up to 10 phone numbers, which is a help for those with failing memories.
 
AT&T CL2939 Corded Phone, Black, 1 Handset
AT&T CL2939 Corded Phone, Black, 1 Handset
This phone also has the tilting display and is capable of storing up to 25 phone numbers. Another great feature is the fact that it is hearing aid compatible, which is why my father-in-law uses this model.
 
Geemarc Amplipower 60 Plus Amplified Telephone
Geemarc Amplipower 60 Plus Amplified Telephone
Another hearing aid compatible phone, this one also has 3 buttons for emergency. It does, however, lack the great display feature.
 

Geemarc AmpliPower 60 Features

Big Button Cordless Phones for the Elderly

Cordless phones are used in nearly every home in this country. Senior homes are no exception. Many like the freedom to move around the house without, as Ellen DeGeneres said, "being tethered to the mother unit." Newer models have so many buttons that it's getting harder to focus just on the numbers. The models listed below are some good options for those who need the larger buttons.

Large Button Cordless Phones

Panasonic Dect 6.0+ CID 2 HS Rubber Grip HSSP Smart Wall-mount White backlit LCD on handset
Panasonic Dect 6.0+ CID 2 HS Rubber Grip HSSP Smart Wall-mount White backlit LCD on handset
This phone has a powerful range and can be used throughout the house and outdoors. It comes with two handsets so one can always be charging. It also has a feature that can let seniors block certain numbers, such as telemarketers.
 
Panasonic KX-TG4742B DECT 6.0 Cordless Phone with Answering System, Black, 2 Handsets (Discontinued By Manufacturer)
Panasonic KX-TG4742B DECT 6.0 Cordless Phone with Answering System, Black, 2 Handsets (Discontinued By Manufacturer)
Basically the same cordless phones as above, but also includes an answering system.
 
Clarity XLC3.4+ DECT 6.0 Extra Loud Big Button Speakerphone with Talking Caller ID
Clarity XLC3.4+ DECT 6.0 Extra Loud Big Button Speakerphone with Talking Caller ID
The hearing aid compatibility feature (for some reason one of my favorites) is available on this phone. It has a clip so it can be carried around and at a hand's reach. The caller ID also has a speech mode to help those who have trouble reading the display.
 

Large Button Cell Phones for Seniors

The overwhelming movement in the cell phone industry cell phone is smaller. As phones become smaller, the keys get tinier and cell phone use becomes difficult, especially for the elderly. Telephone companies have been abandoning large button cell phones, making access to a cell phone much more difficult for many senior citizens.

Most often, cell phones are used by the elderly as an emergency line when they are out running errands or the power goes out. It is a disconcerting feeling to find yourself without a way of communicating when you need help. Being able to contact a family member or neighbor can be a comfort to seniors when left alone. Knowing that your loved one has a means to get in touch with you can also put your mind at ease, as well.

Jitterbug Cell Phones

Jitterbug Cell Phones are one of the most popular choices for big button cell phones. The large buttons Jitterbug Plus are one of its most distinctive and useful features, making them an easy to use phone for seniors. The keyboard is large and clearly visible, allowing for effortless dialing. The key labeling is clear and uncluttered, which eliminates any confusion or error keystrokes.

Their speakers amplify sound clearly and at a higher volume. This feature is useful for the elderly who may have trouble hearing conversations on the majority of cells phones. As other cell phones have become full of applications, they also consume more battery life. It is not uncommon for the standard smartphone to require a recharge every day. The Jitterbug features a highly efficient battery, lasting about 25 days on standby

How To Use the Jitterbug Phone

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