Picture telephone

cdgbdr

I am looking for a phone for DH to use that can dial by pressing the button with a picture or name on it.

I have Spectrum internet phone service (landline). I purchased 2 so far and neither have worked with this.

Has anyone had luck with this?

harshedbuzz

@cdgbdr

At a certain point in the progression of dementia, it become impossible for the PWD to learn new skills because of their memory loss. This applies especially to new technology and applies even when the new device is "simpler" than the one it replaces.

When dad forgot how to use his smartphone, we tried a simple flip. It bombed. He also couldn't use (answer) a cordless phone. We never tried an old-school rotary as I suspected he might have enough muscle memory to at least answer it.

At a certain point, it's probably best the PWD doesn't have a phone. Fairly early on the executive function of recognizing an emergency and responding appropriately is lost and often the phone is used to repeat calls to LOs at inconvenient times. For calls to family, a caregiver can assist.

HB

​fesk

I haven't tried one, but did a quick search and this popped up.

https://www.alzstore.com/RAZ-Memory-Cell-Phone-for-Seniors-All-Carriers-p/0039-v.htm

The search also showed some house phones.

If it's for use in only the home, you can see if this tablet would work which also has other features.

https://www.grandpad.net

Good luck.

cdgbdr

I saw that thought it might be too complex for him. Will look at the tablet.

SDianeL

I tried one for my DH and sadly he couldn’t learn to use it even with pictures. He had to have someone assist him. I wouldn’t bother.

harshedbuzz

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/225593#Comment_225593

Why do you think he needs a phone? Can you or another caregiver not assist him when needed?

HB

dancsfo

As others have noted, it's difficult for PWD to learn.

To provide a way to call during urgent needs or emergencies is different from calling to socialize. If it's for emergencies, then maybe its better if a caregiver can spend more time looking over things. If there's been a fall, it's not always possible to reach for a phone.

For socializing, having a caregiver assist to make a call is probably the easiest.

cdgbdr

Right now he is alone for short periods. It is for safety and socialization as needed.

M1

I’m sure you realize this, but if it’s getting to the point that he could not reliably call for help, it’s time for him to not be alone. That is always a difficult threshold to cross…

cdgbdr

Yes, he is reaching a point where he is only alone for short periods.