This last year has shown us just how important it is to keep in touch with the people we love, especially those that we may not be able to see in person very often.
Amid the current worldwide pandemic, many people haven’t been able to see their elderly loved ones in assisted living facilities as much as they would like. But when your loved one has a cell phone, it makes communicating with them so much easier. So to help facilitate this, here are three tips for picking the right cell phone for your elderly loved one.
Pick The Right Type Of Phone
Before you start looking at exact phones to purchase for your loved one, you first need to consider the type of phone that will be best for them.
According to AgingInPlace.org, many elderly people find it easier to use cell phones that aren’t smartphones. Generally, flip phones or block phones are simpler to use and don’t over-complicate things. However, these types of phones also don’t usually have Internet access or other features that could make life easier for a senior citizen. So before you choose which option will be best for your loved one, consider when they will use the phone for and how tech-savvy they are or are willing to become.
Look For User-Friendly Features
Once you know the general type of cell phone that will be best for your elderly loved one, you should then start thinking about the specific phone that you’ll get for them.
For most seniors, the hardware of the phone is going to be more important than the software. For example, Taylor Shuman, a contributor to SeniorLiving.org, shares that seniors will be most comfortable using a cell phone that has user-friendly features like large buttons, bright screens, an easy grip, compatibility with hearing aids, and loud speakers.
Choose A Carrier With Great Customer Service
In addition to the actual phone that you wind up choosing for your elderly loved one to use, you also need to choose which cell phone carrier they’ll subscribe to.
When deciding this, Caring.com recommends that you pick a carrier that has a great track record for customer service. What would make this even better is if the carrier is known for working with seniors, as you can then feel confident that they can give your loved one the help or assistance necessary in a way that’s going to be useful and respectful. Ideally, your elderly loved one should be able to reach customer service via telephone as well as through email or their app.
If you’re trying to help your loved one pick a new cell phone to use, consider using the tips mentioned above to find the right fit for most senior citizens.
