Pay Phone Style phones? Dad is taking phones apart and nurses have taken phone access away

HereForDad

Hi all - just wondering if anyone might have recommendations for a phone that is not able to be easily taken apart/hidden by someone with dementia? 

My Dad just went into hospice and because he has been unplugging his phone's cord and wrapping it in different places/hiding etc. the nurses have said that it's easiest for him not to have a phone and we should ask that they call us when we want to speak with him. 

Has anyone had this issue before? And/or is there a phone in mind that you might be able to recommend for this sort of issue? I am thinking something like pay-phone grade phone or industrial grade that is screwed down by his bed. 

The worst part is that he thinks I am ignoring him/am being distant, but I just cannot reach him. Would be very grateful for any advice or ideas you may have. 

Thank you

dayn2nite2

While I understand you are trying to help him, getting him a phone that cannot be taken apart and/or is screwed to furniture will only frustrate, agitate and upset him.

If he is on hospice and you are a distance away, ask the staff if it's possible to engage in a Zoom call weekly with him with their assistance.

If you are nearby, I would just tell you the staff is correct in removing the phone and you should either Zoom call or window visit if they are not allowing inside visits due to covid.

HereForDad

Thanks for your reply. Unfortunately I am away from him for the time being and its been really difficult getting ahold of him via calling the nurses station as they barely call me back. On the phone today he asked if i could call him more and I do not think that he realizes that he is unplugging the phone when he does so, he just sort of futzes with stuff as people with dementia tend to do. 

I wonder if there is some sort of other temporary solution to this as it breaks my heart thinking of him wondering if I know how to call/if I will call him when I am trying my best to do so with no luck. 

abc123

Dear HereforDad, I think Day2Night is pretty much on the money with her reply. For some reason, phones in general are a problem with PWD. They end up added stress to the LO's and agitating the PWD. Could you remove the phone temporarily and replace it with something else he can figet with? Something that might interest him, maybe an old portable radio or portable cassette player. Take the batteries out first. Or anything with buttons and small knobs. Just a suggestion. I'm sorry he is going through this.

HereForDad

Hi abc123 - thank you for the suggestion and I might recommend something like that at our next care meeting, though I do firmly think him having a phone in any capacity would be best. I will follow up and will let you both know what the outcome is - thanks for the insight and all the best.

Iris L.

I googled a cell phone that has pictures; it is set up for PWDs.  The website is www.razmobility.com.  There is also a desk telephone model available, but I could not locate it online.  He needs a phone that doesn't require him to push "on" or "talk".  

Iris L.