Mobile phone for the elderly/disabled for under $200?

L[Deactivated] on 07/03/2014 - 00:37

I'm looking to buy a mobile phone for my grandma who is bad with technology, can't speak English, has bad eyesight and poor dexterity. The main purpose of the phone will be to use in cases of emergency and to encourage her to feel comfortable enough to travel independently (going to the park or asian market etc), knowing that her family members are just a phone call away.

I remember seeing those old ads for a 'gecko' phone (not sure if this is right) where it was essentially a walkie talkie with pre-programmed numbers and all you had to do to call was press a button. I can't seem to find anything like that anymore on the Australian market (which is such a shame bc they're a great idea), though I have seen some on US sites (Amazon etc). I've contacted some of these companies and they have told me that their phones would not work with Australian carriers. I've also seen really cheap Chinese ones but have no idea if they're reputable.

Does anyone have any ideas?

In summary I need a phone that has:
- Pre-programmable numbers
- Big buttons (preferably with pictures on them to differentiate them)
- Easy to use system
- No requirement for understanding English
- Works in Australia
- <$200

OR any other form of technology that achieves the same goals.

Mobile

Comments

  • dmc900 on 07/03/2014 - 01:28

    Perhaps your looking for the Doro 615, it's a good phone for seniors. You can only get it on Optus though, but if your looking for a good prepaid deal the phone supports Amaysim and other Optus MNVO's.

    http://www.doro.com.au/products/Mobile-phones-and-accessorie…
    https://www.optus.com.au/shop/prepaidmobile/doro/phoneeasy61…

    $99 from Optus is a pretty good deal. I got one a year ago from DSE for $135 and you can buy them on eBay for $185.

    It's got big buttons, you can pre-program numbers, the system is fairly easy to use and it works in Australia on the Optus or Optus-based networks.

    • tonester on 07/03/2014 - 16:18

      +1

      avoid flip-phones like the doro and buy a tough bar such as alcatel's or telstra's easycall, both of which have sos buttons :)
      http://ilcaustralia.org.au/search_category_paths/666

      • [Deactivated] on 09/03/2014 - 20:12

        I'm sure my grandma does not have the ability to memorise phone numbers and I'm not even sure if she'd be able to navigate a phone book. I was thinking more of a phone like this http://www.rewardmobile.com.au/images/gecko-phone-diagram.jp… where you don't really need to do much at all to call. Maybe I'm underestimating my grandma? Is there a way that I could let her try out these phones first?

  • pax on 07/03/2014 - 09:18

    The other thing, is doing what I did for my mum which was to get a pointer for capacitive stylus bullet, which she puts on her keys and assists to use the smart phone.

    For the eyes, you can get large keyboards for Android (not sure about WinPho or IOS).

    As for screen size, then get her to look at a couple of screens and see how she goes.

    Pax

  • AJW on 07/03/2014 - 11:09
    +1

    I see you are in Melbourne, so I don't know if they have the same service there - but in Perth I have used the Independent Living Centre to help with things like this. My friends daughter recently bought a (normal sized) mobile with big buttons, alarm, speed dial emergency numbers & long hold panic alarm etc…suited her as she has a disability.
    - google says u have an office in Melbourne too - http://ilcaustralia.org.au/contact_us/victoria

  • [Deactivated] on 08/03/2014 - 18:18

    Kmart used to have a mobile that could text and call. You could pre-program its buttons and its keys were very large.
    Downside was it has a smaller screen that wasnt colored (but you don't mention screen size so I assume you just need to call and receive calls?
    It was also sub $50.

    I'm not sure if they still have it but I think my local one does.

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