Communication Aids for the Elderly

Telephones and mobile phones have advanced considerably in recent times and these improvements have resulted in a wide range of communication aids for the elderly to help the elderly and hard of hearing with their everyday communication needs.

In fact as technology has improved, telephones and mobile phones for the hard of hearing and the elderly have become increasing simple to use while offering numerous advanced features for just about every need imaginable. Here we give a quick overview of some the key features now available with today’s latest phones and mobile phones for the elderly and hard of hearing:

House Phones

Call Display:

For those with visual impairment, being able to easily see who is calling or who they are dialling is important.

Choose a phone or mobile that has a large digital display area for easy recognition. The Simpla Phone comes with a screen which will also show a picture of the caller [pre-programmed] making it even easier for those with visual impairment or dementia to recognise their caller.

Inductive Couplers:

Many phones come with a built-in device producing a signal that connects with the “T” switch on a modern hearing aid to improve communication. Inductive couplers can also be provided as an accessory to attach to the handset.

Pulsators:

For those with hard of hearing the pulsator creates a vibration which improves hearing quality when placed against the bone in front of or behind the ear.

Number buttons:

A common feature on many phones for the elderly is to have large number buttons for ease of recognition and making or receiving calls. This is also of benefit for those with dexterity issues and large spacing between buttons is also of great help too. Most phones also include a raised “dot” on the number 5 to aid the visually impaired

Button Graphics:

A quick dial button with a family member picture or carers picture on the button helps those with memory and dexterity concerns to quickly identify and dial family members, neighbours and help

Volume Control:

Ringing volume can be adjusted to aid hearing impairment, and separate boosters can also be added to a house phone system. Portable amplifiers can also be attached to the earpiece to amplify the volume of incoming speech.

Call Lights:

For those with severe hearing impairment a phone can be supplied with a flashing light to alert to incoming calls.

More advanced house phones for the elderly and hearing impaired include systems integrated with a help call transmitter which is worn as a bracelet or pendant.

Mobile Phones

Many of the features already highlighted above are also available on mobile phones for elderly people too. Some of the more widely available features include:

• Vibration alert to incoming calls and messages
• Large buttons for ease of making and taking calls
• Voice activated commands
• Large text screens

Advanced mobile phones include the Tracker Mobile Phone which enables the user to be located and tracked should they wander unexpectedly. These units give location details and location history.

Other mobile phones include a “Man Down” and/or fall detection features too.

If you need advice choosing a telephone for the hard of hearing, a mobile phone for the elderly or perhaps for somebody with limited dexterity or visual impairment please talk to one of our homecare technology experts today.