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Stop the Frustration: 5 Easy to Use Cell Phones For Dementia

Stop the Frustration: 5 Easy to Use Cell Phones For Dementia

If you're looking for an easy-to-use cell phone for someone with dementia, we recommend the RAZ Memory Phone, Jitterbug Smart3, Jitterbug Flip2, Ushining Simple Flip Phone, or Easyfone Prime A6. These phones have features like large buttons, simplified screens, loud speakers, and one-touch dialing that make them ideal for seniors with Alzheimer's or memory loss.
Scott Grant, CSA®, SHSS®
Last Updated:
Cell Phones For Dementia
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Cell Phones For Dementia

The 5 best cell phones that people with dementia can actually use are:

  1. RAZ Memory Cell Phone – The best overall due to its simple screen with photos for one-touch dialing, location tracking, and remote management by caregivers.
  2. Jitterbug Smart3 – A smartphone with a simplified menu system, large buttons and text, and loud speaker. Best for those familiar with touchscreens.
  3. Jitterbug Flip2 – A basic flip phone with Yes/No prompts, powerful speaker, and link to Lively safety app. Ideal for seniors wanting simple calling.
  4. Ushining Simple Flip Phone – Budget flip phone with speed dial, SOS button, and hearing aid compatibility.
  5. Easyfone Prime A6 – Basic candy-bar style cell phone with large, well-spaced buttons and a scrolling screen menu. Works with T-Mobile and AT&T.

As a caregiver, you know how frustrating it can be to find a cell phone your loved one with dementia can actually use. Between tiny screens, complex menus, and buttons requiring precise finger control, most smartphones are impossible to use independently.

I tested over a dozen easy-to-use cell phones and found the five best options for people with dementia and Alzheimer’s. These phones are designed to be simple and have features like:

  • Large, well-spaced buttons for easier dialing
  • Bright, clear screens with large text
  • Photos of loved ones for one-touch calling
  • Loud, amplified speakers
  • SOS emergency button

No complicated settings or confusing menus. Just simple, reliable phones that make calling family and emergency services easy for your loved one.

As someone who has been helping older adults choose technological products to make their lives easier, I know how critical it is to find technology that reduces stress for you and your family.

Top Cell Phones for Dementia

Here are a few cell phones I recommend for seniors with dementia:

Raz Mobility Easy-to-Use Memory Cell Phone for Seniors

$309.00

Pros:

  • Simplicity – A senior with dementia will benefit from the only screen offering them the information they need. Pairing the picture with the contact’s name can really make it easy to know who you are calling.
  • GPS Tracking – Having the ability to track the phone through a remote online portal can provide peace of mind to caregivers and loved ones.
  • Block Unwanted Calls – Having the ability to block calls from predatory sources and anyone not on the contact list can eliminate the threat of your loved one falling victim to common scams targeting seniors.
  • Volume Always On Maximum – Seniors often have trouble hearing and having a volume rocker can be confusing. The volume rocker is disabled and the volume button is always on the maximum level for convenience and accessibility. Calls can be automatically routed to the powerful speaker to make them even easier to hear.
  • Large Display – Small displays can be very difficult to read for seniors. This phone has a larger screen and bright 6.3-inch display, making it easier to see and use. The display is also always on.

Cons:

  • Large Phone – The phone is fairly large and hefty at 6.38 oz- a bit heavier than an iPhone 10. That being said, this can be seen as a compromise to make it more accessible for seniors.

The RAZ Memory Cell Phone leads this category by a mile and is, hands down, the best cell phone for dementia. It has the most useful safety features and it even has a camera too!

It is an extremely easy-to-use smartphone for seniors and has useful features like photo dialing (touch the picture of the person to call them), an emergency button, and displays the time, remaining batter, and signal strength.

Plus caregivers can manage and control the phone settings remotely through an app on your phone or through a simple web portal. So, you can know at a glance the status of the phone and even the location of the user.

The RAZ Memory Cell Phone was designed specifically for individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia in mind. Because of this, it can serve as a lifeline for those with memory loss.

How It Benefits Seniors with Dementia or Alzheimer’s

Not only does it feature a primary screen touch-based interface, but it now features names and pictures of up to 30 contacts. In addition, it features an easy-to-see red button to call “911” in an emergency situation. There is one screen and one screen only!

The phone also offers the time in the upper-right corner and the battery level in the upper left. It even prompts the user to charge the phone when it is time.

As you can see, the touch screen is kept as simple as possible to avoid confusing menus or settings configurations. It provides zero distractions to the user.

Nothing is intimidating about using it. Some have said it is even comforting to be able to turn the screen on and see the names and faces of loved ones.

How It Benefits Caregivers and Loved Ones

As a caregiver or remote family member, you can monitor your loved one from anywhere in the US or Canada via an app or website through a very simple portal.

You can do everything from creating and editing contacts, tracking the phone’s location history, checking the battery charge, and even restricting incoming calls, including from known predatory sources.

As a caregiver and loved one, having this type of access can give you the peace of mind you need to know that your patient or loved one is safe and that you have the ability to track them if they end up lost.

New Caregiver Portal Now There is an App!

Using the app, loved ones can monitor and control the phone remotely.

Raz Mobility is constantly innovating its service and recently added a new app that you can install on your phone that allows you to perform all the remote monitoring functions without having to log on to a portal.

Now, these options and controls can be used remotely no matter how far away you may live.

Monitor Battery Status, Phone Signal, and Strength

For example, the caregiver can check the phone’s signal strength and battery power. This is helpful if you can’t reach the senior or want to ensure they keep their phone charged. You can receive text messages when the battery gets low too.

Control Use of Power Button

Caregivers and family members can also use the app to disable the power button to keep the user from being able to turn it off.

This will help in cases where the senior has difficulty turning the phone back on or accidentally goes into the phone’s Safe mode. The volume button can even be controlled remotely.

Control Incoming & Outgoing Calls

Finally, there is also a “limit incoming calls” option so that only calls from preapproved callers make it through. This eliminates telemarketing and scam calls.

The caregiver can add as many numbers to the white list as wanted. For example, if the caregiver wants the senior to receive calls from his doctor, but does not want the doctor to be a contact, this can now be done.

Reduce Out of Control 911 Calls

You have the ability to redirect 911 emergency calls to the RAZ emergency service team, who can verify there is a true emergency before sending emergency help.

It’s not uncommon for confusion to lead to false and repeated, calls to 911. You can control this with the RAZ Memory Cell Phone, although it is an extra charge.

May Work With Your Existing Cell Plan

This phone is compatible with Verizon, AT&T, and other cell providers. The best option is to connect it to the Affinity Cellular Network, and you could get three months free.


A simple phone. A caring team.

Jitterbug Smart3 Smartphone for Seniors from Lively

$74.99

Pros:

  • Award-winning customer service allows you to contact professionals if you don’t understand anything on the phone.
  • It doesn’t come with cancellation or contract fees.
  • The easy UI and bigger touch-screen make it a pleasing phone experience for anyone with dementia.
  • The organized menu makes it easier for seniors to find all the functions in one place. Whether they want to make calls or send a message, they will find all the options in the menu.
  • They can take photos of everything around them to remember them later.
  • The phone has a 13 MP that takes crisp images.

Cons:

  • Because it is a smartphone and has more features, it could be too confusing for some users.

This easy-to-use smartphone for seniors has simple, list-based menus with a large, easy-to-see screen. It even offers voice typing and mobile internet access.

Many seniors who love touch-screen phones will find this model useful. They don’t have to use the traditional keypad anymore. This 5.5-inch cell phone will fit in their hands easily. Plus, it is extremely lightweight.

While not as simple as the RAZ Memory Cell Phone, the simple menu is well-organized, so higher-functioning seniors with dementia will have no difficulty understanding the functions.

The phone’s display is big enough to show letters and numbers significantly bigger. There may be a bit of a learning curve to using this one. But, they can make and receive calls without help after a few uses.


Our easiest phone comes with a caring team.

Jitterbug Flip2 Phone from Lively

$99.99

Pros:

  • There are no contracts or cancellation fees if you do not wish to continue using the phone.
  • The speaker is significantly loud. Your loved one can hear the phone even if they forget where they kept it last.
  • You can use the Lively network on this phone. It is the best wireless network provider in the US.
  • There are no complicated functions in the menu that can confuse the user.
  • You can link the phone with its app so that you know about the health and safety of your loved one.

Cons:

  • The screen is not big enough like the other models.
  • Poor battery life is a common complaint so you’ll need frequent charges.

This phone is ideal for seniors with dementia who don’t want too many complicated functions and can access numbers and dial a phone.

Even though it is a more basic flip phone, it has simple Yes and No options so the user can follow the on-screen instructions easily. The phone has a powered speaker that lets your loved one hear your voice from a distance.

Plus, the bigger fonts and numbers make dialing your loved one easier. All they have to do is press the menu button and follow the instructions on the screen. They need to press the Yes or No button accordingly.

Many older people prefer a model like this because it is less intimidating (initially, at least) than a smartphone.


USHINING 4G LTE Unlocked Senior Flip Phone with Speed Talk SIM Card Seniors Cell Phone SOS Big Button Senior Basic Phone for Elderly 2.4 Inch Screen Unlocked Feature Phone with Charging Dock (Blue)

Ushining Simple Flip Phone Unlocked

$75.99
as of 03/18/2024 7:43 am

This cell phone is a good option for people looking for a more budget-friendly option. Whether it is your loved one at home or someone you know in your extended, this model provides a combination of various essential features that seniors can benefit from.

For example, the larger fonts and buttons will help them track the numbers easily. Plus, it has a flip feature. Your loved one can flip the phone after the call and keep it in his/her pocket.

With bigger numbers on the keypad, the user can easily dial a number from the contact book. The SOS button can connect with emergency contacts or 911 if there is an emergency. It has speed dials so the user doesn’t have to remember how to access the phonebook.

The sound quality is crystal clear, works with hearing aids, and is compatible with the T-mobile network. Your loved one will be able to hear your voice without any interruption.

Even a person who is not tech-savvy can use the phone, thanks to the easy on-screen instructions. The dual display of the phone allows the user to see the time and the name of the person calling.


Easyfone Prime-A6 4G Big Button Feature Cell Phone | Easy-to-Use | Clear Sound | Big Battery Long Time Standby | SIM Card & Plans | SOS Button and Easy Charging Dock

Easyfone Prime-A6 4G Unlocked Big Button Basic Senior Cell Phone

$69.99
as of 03/18/2024 7:43 am

If you are looking for a simple mobile phone that you can buy cheaply and put on your existing plan, look at this one from Easyfone.

Although it doesn’t have many of my recommended features for seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s, it is straightforward to use. This one is best for people with previous mobile phone experience and needs a more basic – and less confusing – version.

First, the buttons are big and bold and can be assigned speed dial numbers for calling in an emergency. You could instruct them to hold down the 2 to call their son, or #6 for their daughter. The buttons cannot be labeled but can be accessed through a scrolling menu.

It has an easy-to-use charging dock makes keeping the batteries charged a simple process. It can be connected to T-mobile and some AT&T carriers by using the appropriate sim card from the carrier

What Makes a Cell Phone More Appropriate for Someone with Dementia?

Here are some specific features and options you should look for when you need an easier to use smartphone for people with memory issues.

Simple Functions That Are Easy to Understand

It is somewhat obvious, but you want to choose a phone that is easy to understand and use. You want a phone with minimal options that don’t require accessing multiple menus. Quick, one-touch functions buttons are best.

Big Buttons That Are Easy to Read

Look for big buttons with bold, well-contrasted print. Not just the number buttons – all the buttons should be clearly labeled and easy to read.

For smartphones, the on-screen buttons should also be large with clear print and complementary colors. These features add to the overall ease of use of these devices.

Long Battery Life Between Charges

Let’s face it. They will forget to charge the phone at one time or another. So, get one with a long standby time. That way, it will be functional when they need it.

The Raz Memory Phone even lets you monitor the phone’s charging status remotely. So, you can prompt the user when it’s time to charge the phone.

One-Touch SOS Emergency Button

I really recommend phones with one-touch speed dialing for storing phone numbers for quick calls during emergencies. Even better if it’s red or clearly labeled SOS!

Bright, Clear Large Screen That is Easy to See

The digital screen should be brightly backlit with big, bold print so that it can be read easily – during the day and the night.


Summary and Final Recommendations

There are so many ways that seniors can use smartphones. And, as you can see, several good cell phone options exist for seniors with dementia. Just look for one that is easy to use with large buttons that can be easily read.

Think about emergency situations too. You want your loved one to have quick access to help if there has been a quick access to medical attention after a fall or a medical problem.

Do you know of other cell phones that are good for seniors with dementia? Let me know about them in the comments below.

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Scott Grant, CSA®, SHSS®

Scott Grant, CSA®, SHSS®

With over 20 years of experience and certifications as a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)® and Senior Home Safety Specialist (SHSS)®, Scott Grant provides reliable recommendations to help seniors maintain independence through informed product and service choices for safe, comfortable living.

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5 thoughts on “Stop the Frustration: 5 Easy to Use Cell Phones For Dementia”

  1. Sylvia Chadwick

    Do you still have the phone that was kind of made to look like s shell. It also came in her favorite color, which is pearl white. Thank you

    • Scott Grant, ATP, CRTS®

      Hi Sylvia – I don’t directly sell phones or products here – I just research and make recommendations. But, I know exactly the phone you are talking about!

  2. Mary

    My husband constantly misplaces or losses his cell phone. I have replaced it 5 times. Do you have a recommendation for a phone. He lives in a VA nursing home.
    Thank You.
    Mary H

  3. my 3g went oblivion. my wife gave a samsung android which is absolutely useless to me. the electronic world is not my world nor is this touch tone thing. what is out there that is not going to cost me an arm and a leg and just as easy as my 3g. she tells me i got the best thing. yeah…right!!!.

  4. Does anyone know of a flip phone that has at least 30 speed dials?

    It is impossible to get this information using
    Google

    Thanks in advance

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