Cell Phone(1)

FCR

Our uncle has Alzheimers and still is able to drive. He keeps losing his phone and is now at the place where he can't use it. Does anyone have any suggestions about the best type of cell phone for someone with dementia? We're worried about him driving off and getting lost. We got him a flip phone with GPS and a medical alert, but he can't seem to use it.

jordansfca

There are some phones specifically for seniors.

I know you didn't ask, but you or other family need to stop him from driving. It is dangerous at the least and could be deadly for him or others. 

If you don't want to be the one that stops him perhaps you can speak to the police to find out what steps can be taken.

Unknown By Man

My mom is still able to drive passed a written and road test but I still sold her car. It is not worth risk, the ability may be present but if they lose their way finding them will be rough. Which is why I sold the car.

Stuck in the middle

My wife quit driving when she was diagnosed with AD.  She worked in insurance and knew she would be found at fault in any collision, regardless of the circumstances.  PWDs who drive risk the loss of everything they and their families own, and much of what they may earn in the future.

Please don't tell us a person who can't operate a phone can safely drive.  Getting lost is the least of the bad things that are likely if they keep driving.

DHVT

FCR, I have the same problem with my wife. She’s too confused by her flip phone to answer it or make calls.

I’m considering the Lively Mobile+ … it has only one button and would connect her with their support staff. I can also call them and they’ll ask how she is, etc. It has GPS and fall detection, and it works with a speaker and hangs from a cord so there’s no fumbling with opening it or holding it to an ear.

I think the monthly fee is well worth it.

harshedbuzz

If he can't use a new flip phone, his driving is the bigger issue. With a diagnosis of Alzheimer's, his insurance policy might not cover him even if he actually paid the premium. I would contact his insurance agent and confirm coverage today.

HB

tdnp

I agree with other posters, Driving is dangerous to others on the road and hopefully you can get him to stop.  You may have to disable his vehicle. 

 You may also be able to make a request the state to have his license revoked. 

As far as a phone,  this is what we got for my mom when she was calling and getting calls from Spamers.

https://www.razmobility.com/

Unknown By Man

May vary by state I tried to have my mother's license revoked but she was able to pass their assessment so no go on that. I did take her keys away and much later I sold it.

Emily 123

Hi FCR,  

It's pretty clear that he shouldn't be driving. He doesn't have the bandwidth to make the multiple quick decisions required.  If you're worried about him getting lost driving you should also be worried about him ending up in a ditch and then getting lost trying to get home.  Stop him now before he plows into someone out walking their dogs.

In the same vein, if he's at the stage that he's losing the abilities to use newer technology then he won't be able to learn anything new.  An example: We bought my mom a nice lined jacket.  She has to be reminded every time she looks in the closet that it's hers--it's not what she remembers as hers, so she completely ignores it. If you buy your uncle something unfamiliar it won't get used--the ability to look at a new thing and go ''Aha!  there's that new thing...I should use it!''  is gone.  I'm sorry.