There are many reasons why elderly care is so important with studies showing how anxiety and stress increase as seniors get older. As these stressors become more apparent to loved ones of the elderly, it is important to combat them in any way possible in order to restore some comfort and convenience to their lives.
One way to avoid increased stress and anxiety is to provide ageing seniors with special devices such as mobile care phones for the elderly. Care phones are even more important where special needs are concerned. It also provides peace of mind to family and friends that they have reliable access to their loved ones whenever necessary.
Why are Care Phones for the Elderly So Important?
Being able to communicate gives the elderly the ability to feel independent and safe in case of an emergency. Keeping in touch with medical professionals, friends and family are very important to the elderly and care phones give them the ability to feel independent and safe in case of an emergency. These phones have built-in features that make them much easier to use for seniors with special needs such as compromised vision, hearing, mobility, or memory impairment.
Choosing the Right Phone
There are many different types of mobile phones for the elderly available which makes it easy to choose the right one for your particular needs. Here are a few broad categories, however, many phones often belong to more than one category.
Different Types of Care Phones for the Elderly
- Hearing Loss Phones with easily accessible volume controls and visual call indicators such as flashing lights
- Vision Loss Phones with contrasting colours, bigger screens, and large buttons for those with poor vision.
- Limited Mobility Phones with long cables or cordless phones that are usually more rugged.
- Memory Loss Phones are equipped with large photos on the buttons.
1. Specialised Phones for Hearing Loss
Normal phones can be very frustrating to use for people with a hearing impairment. Not only is it hard to hear what others are saying but sometimes it is even more difficult to even hear themselves when they are talking and not knowing whether they have been heard by the other party. Hearing Loss Phones are equipped with:
- Adjustable volume and ringer controls that are easily accessible
- Visual call and message indicators with flashing lights
- Headphone compatible
- Hearing aid compatible
2. Specialised Phones for Vision Loss
Small screens and fonts make it difficult for people with vision problems to use a cell phone. Special phones for vision loss include:
- Contrasting colours that make it easier to recognise buttons
- Large buttons with clear fonts
- Large screen with less information to read at one time
- Speed dial buttons with pictures instead of fonts
- Braille buttons for severe vision loss
3. Specialised Phones for Limited Mobility
Cordless phones are ideal for those with limited mobility as they are always nearby and the elderly don't have to rush to the phone when it rings. There is a risk that it can be misplaced which is why it is highly recommended to have a wired phone as a backup.
4. Specialised Phones for Memory Loss
Designed for use by people who struggle to maintain their concentration, these phones have the capability to call specified numbers at predetermined times during the day. They have built-in restrictions that can only be activated by caregivers or family. They also feature:
- Large images of callers or the person being called
- Dial-less phones that are only able to receive calls.
Summary
Modern cell phones were never designed for use by the elderly or people with special needs. Fortunately, there are devices that have been specifically designed for use by the elder with the focus on simplicity, special needs features, and mainly for making and receiving calls.
If you are looking for care phones and other independent daily living and mobility aids, call Get About Mobility today on 1300 168 902 or leave an enquiry and we will get back to you as soon as possible.