These are the best phones for older people now on the market
If you are unsure which phone is best for you, do not worry: here is a guide of the best phones on the market for older people
Mobile phones have become an essential part of modern living. They provide contact with others and a safety net when people are on their own. That’s why mobile phones for the older generation need careful consideration to ensure loved ones remain well connected.
It is normal to have doubts and feel lost in the maze of modern technologies. Which functions are really needed? And what are the essential features for older people? These are questions that many ask when buying a new phone.
Don’t worry because with this useful guide from Caser Residencial you are covered. The company, which runs nursing homes across Spain, including in Murcia and Málaga, has looked at all the key aspects to consider when purchasing a new phone, including functionality and ease of use amongst other things.
What features should a mobile phone for older people have?
Choosing the right mobile phone for a senior requires taking into account their specific needs. Different people need different things and so not all functions are useful for each individual person. It is essential to find what the customer needs in a phone’s functionality before purchasing.
1. Large visible keys
Large keys are a must for seniors as they make dialling easier and reduce errors. Backlit keys allow for easy use in low light conditions, which is especially helpful for seniors with vision problems.
Shortcut buttons are also useful for older people as they allow them to stay connected to their most important contacts at the touch of a button. This feature helps speed up communication in moments where important people are needed the most.
2. Easy-to-read display
A large screen is key for seniors to be able to read comfortably. Mobile phones designed for this group often include high-contrast displays and adjustable text size options, making it easier to see numbers and messages.
A clear and simple menu on the home screen of a phone is a must, so that the older people do not feel overwhelmed by navigating through the different functions that a phone offers them. Legibility is essential to make older people feel more secure and connected to their loved ones.
3. SOS button and emergency functions
The SOS button allows the elderly person to quickly contact a family member or emergency services in critical situations. Simply hold down the button and a message will be sent or calls will be made automatically to predefined contacts.
Some cell phones allow you to schedule multiple rounds of calls until someone answers. This feature is invaluable in providing an extra layer of security for both the senior and their surroundings, especially during times like family respite.
4. Hearing aid compatibility and volume adjustments
This feature is a must for many elderly people as it allows them to hear their phones better and the different noises it can make. Hearing aid compatible cell phones allow for better sound quality , without interference, which is essential for those who use these devices. They also offer louder and adjustable volumes, making it easier to communicate, even in noisy environments.
5. Long-lasting battery
For seniors, it is important that the mobile phone has a long-lasting battery, minimising the need to constantly charge it. In addition, many models include charging bases, where the user only has to place the device on a base for it to charge. With this form of charging older people do not need to worry about plugging in their phones.
This is especially helpful for those with limited mobility in their hands. A long-lasting battery and easy charging provide peace of mind for both the user and their family members and this is a must for seniors and their phones.
Touch screens are not the best option for all people
Touchscreens, while common on most mobile phones today, can be a challenge for seniors. Lack of sensitivity in the fingers or fear of making mistakes often lead to frustration. That's why it's important to opt for devices that offer screens with good touch response and sensitivity adjustments. This gives older people peace of mind when dealing with new technologies
A simply easy-to-use interface is also a must for older people and their phones. This will help the touch screen function not seem so scary and easier to understand for the seniors.
Phone options on the market for older people
Flip phones vs. bar phones
Flip phones protect the screen and keys when not in use, preventing accidental calls and providing peace of mind for older people. They also often include external screens that display notifications without having to open the device and create extra worry for the users; this, for some, is a very helpful function.
Bar phones, however, offer quick access to all the functions that the phone possesses, as they are always active. This option is ideal for those who prefer simpler and more direct handling without opening or closing the phone. For some elderly people, however, the bar phone is too complicated and provides too many functions.
Most popular models of phones for older people
- Funker C50 Easy: The Funker C50 Easy is a basic but efficient mobile phone, designed for those who only need to make calls and send messages. It stands out for its large keys and its SOS button, making it a very safe option for older users.
- SPC Prince 4G: This model offers 4G connectivity, allowing for better call quality. It also incorporates smart features such as automatic volume adjustment in case of repeated calls, making it easier for older people to use.
- SPC Zeus 4G Pro: A smartphone for seniors that combines physical keys with a 5.5” touchscreen. It includes an SOS button and XXL numbers and icons.
- Maxcom MM822: The Maxcom MM822 is known for its ergonomic design and backlit keys. Its big advantage is its hearing aid compatibility and long-lasting battery, ideal for users looking for a reliable mobile phone.
Which brands are the most reliable?
- Funker: Funker has established itself as a benchmark brand in mobile phones for seniors, offering simple and functional devices, without unnecessary technological complications.
- SPC: SPC has developed a line of mobile phones with special attention to the needs of the elderly. Its Smart Help technology stands out for its ability to adapt the phone to the user's preferences.
- Maxcom: Maxcom combines durability with practical design, which has made their phones very popular in the senior sector. Their focus on ergonomics and easy access to basic functions is highly valued.
There we have it, a comprehensive guide to the world of phones for the elderly. These phones are very useful for many old people, as they help them stay safe and give them great peace of mind.
When choosing a phone remember to buy the phone which best suits the customer that will use it. With elderly people it is very important not to over complicate things by buying a product which they fear instead of one in which they rely on.
For more information about the care of the elderly in Spain, including rehabilitation after an illness, surgery or fall, and specialist care for people with dementia and Alzheimer’s, as well as services directed at elderly expats who have moved to Spain, contact Caser Residencial today:
Address
Calle Madre Maria Seiquer, 48, 30151, Santo Angel (Murcia)Tel: +34 968 84 22 62
Santo Ángel residential care home provides assisted living, nursing and rehabilitative therapy for the elderly in Murcia in a comfortable and homely setting, so you and your loved ones can get the level of care you need and deserve.The six-storey Caser Residencial Santo Ángel retirement home is located in the desirable residential area of Santo Ángel just outside the city of Murcia city, 5.3 kilometres south of the centre. The location couldn’t be better, offering quick access to the city centre while being quiet and secluded enough to afford residents and visitors magnificent views of the natural surroundings of the mountains which dominate the skyline south of the regional capital.
The centre has room for 267 residents to live in a generously spacious area, and there is also a Day Centre with 25 places available, a special care unit for people with Alzheimer’s and a Psychogeriatric Unit to offer the best specialised care to residents with mental health problems. In additon. there are special units catering for those with behavioural disorders and people who have suffered stroke or brain damage.
Best of all, there’s a dedicated International Unit on site that caters for the needs of ex-pats and foreign residents, helping to meet their needs and provide them with the highest quality care in a safe and familiar environment.
For residents, there are both twin and single rooms available, and the option to stay indefinitely or temporarily for the purposes of recuperation, post-operative treatment or family rest.
Services for elderly care at Caser Residencial Santo Ángel
- Medical service
- International Unit
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Nursing
- Speech therapy
- Neuropsychology
- Rehabilitative physiotherapy
- Occupational therapy
- Sensory stimulation
- Therapeutic leisure
- Social work
- Sociocultural Animation
- Pharmacy
- Day centre
Opening/Contact Hours:
- 9am – 10pm
Contact Caser Residencial Santo Ángel today for more information on live-in care at a residential retirement home or to benefit from the Day Centre and rehabilitative services.
