One of the unfortunate things about getting older is that hearing, eyesight and mobility slowly begin to wane.
This can make it more difficult for many seniors receiving arthritis care or post surgery home care to utilize some of the most common everyday devices, such a cell phone.
As technology evolves, smart phones, pcs and tablets are quickly becoming the way we stay in touch and communicate.
These advances make it easier for the majority of people to use tech devices, but that’s not always the case.
Many companies are beginning to realize that the average “smart” phone lacks the ability to cater to every demographic – particularly, senior citizens.
Now more and more, simplified smart phones are being designed for users that don’t require all of the bells and whistles that the latest devices are equipped with.
Those of us here at Freedom Home Care compiled a list of some of the most senior-friendly devices we could find to help take the guesswork out of choosing the right phone for your family.
Samsung recently came out with the Simple Smart Phone – bringing simplicity back to the cell phone.
The Simple Smart Phone’s generous 6-inch screen features a home page that consists of five large type buttons: Call, Messages, Pictures, More and Help. This allows seniors to access the phone’s basic functions without having to comb through a myriad of apps and settings.
It also comes with a long-click texting feature that works by holding the button down on the keyboard as you type for five seconds before it receives the command. This is helpful for loved ones that have a difficult time typing. There’s also a built in voice-enabled call / text feature, as well.
Samsung also added a larger keyboard, an image stabilizing mechanism for better pictures and automatic save function, and an S.O.S button that contacts a family or response center in case of an emergency.
The price is around $150.

The Pantech Flex is designed with dual user interface where seniors can operate their phone in Easy Experience mode. It also features a 4.3 inch screen for easy visibility, large type, easy-to-use icons and simplified access to the phone, messages, camera and contacts.
Voice dialing, voice commands, and SwiftKey technology add to ease- of- use for older loved ones.
One of the benefits of this device is that it utilizes an AMOLED screen which helps save electricity and battery life.
At&T offers the Pantech Flex for $0.99 with a two-year contract.
The Doro PhoneEasy 740 is a slider phone by Android with a 3.2-inch touchscreen with large type and a simplified menu that allows seniors access to the phone, email, messages, photos, Internet, apps and games.
The keypad also slides out and features raised buttons that are easy to use.
We thought seniors would like this phone because it provides loud, clear sound and allows users to send text messages and photos, and even record and send video messages.
The Doro PhoneEasy 740 also comes with a 5-mexapixel camera that doubles as a magnifying glass and has an emergency call button that enables seniors to text and dial five numbers. It is also hearing aid compatible.
This phone starts at about $99.