Dementia Support Line
Mobile phones designed to be easier to use if you have dementia
We find out what people think about specially designed, dementia-friendly mobile phones.
We showed three of the latest mobile phones available from our online shop to people affected by dementia.
The bar phone, clamshell phone and smartphone are all from Emporia UK, and they’re designed to be easier to use while still offering the features of other mobiles.
Using phones
We asked Young Onset Dementia Activists (YODA) about how they used mobiles. The south-east London group, run by Bromley, Lewisham & Greenwich Mind, meets weekly.
YODA looking at phones.
‘I’ve got all my people I interact with in my phone,’ said Daz. ‘Sometimes I have problems sending messages, but my friend is excellent at it, so I ask him.’
‘I’ve got a smartphone,’ said Frank. ‘I don’t google etc using it, I do that on my iPad. I get news on the phone, some apps – email, WhatsApp – and use it as a camera.’
Susan said, ‘My phone is a bit of a lifeline for me. It’s got all my contacts and it’s great for reminders. I’d feel so lost without it.’
Christopher said, ‘I forget how to get into apps and functions. It’s like going over hurdles.’
‘I used to send messages but now can’t do it,’ said Chukwudi.
‘Smartphones don’t like me,’ said Dave. ‘My finger doesn’t always work on the screen.’
Dave added that his phone can share his location and ICE (in case of emergency) contact details.
Karen explained, ‘If he went somewhere and got lost, he can press a button and I’ll know where he is.’
Bar phone
The Simplicity Bar Phone has large, raised keys that are illuminated and a clear text display.
Simplicity Bar Phone.
‘That is a really good idea,’ said Susan at YODA.
Christopher agreed, ‘I like the “OK” and “Back” menu options, it doesn’t give me a headache. I like the size too.’
However, he missed having a calendar function. ‘Appointments would be helpful.’
Dave liked the emergency button on the back, which is inset so it’s not pressed accidentally.
‘It’s like a personal alarm, but you can walk about to Tesco etc.’
Ian and Jan, members of Horsham Rusty Brains in West Sussex, also tried out this bar phone.
They found the instructions easy to follow, but Ian added, ‘I would probably need help to make sure I have set it up properly.
‘I did think I might hit two buttons together, but no! It’s good for partially sighted people, or people with limited dexterity.’
They thought £33.33 plus VAT is good value for money
‘Apart from a camera, it has everything,’ said Jan.
Clamshell phone
The Simplicity Clamshell flips open and has a larger screen and calendar function, though it’s still a straightforward phone with no camera or apps.
Simplicity Clamshell V227 mobile phone.
Ian at YODA said, ‘It’s a neat little thing for just a phone, just comes on when you open it up.
‘My mind just goes blank and I get frustrated if a phone’s complicated – it used to be easy!’
Frank liked the phone’s size and Susan added, ‘Its simplicity is appealing. I’ve got an iPhone, but this could be a good back-up.’
Matthew especially appreciated the three speed-dial keys.
‘It’s easy to phone somebody, and the white buttons stand out from the black background,’ he said.
‘It’s a good retro phone, compact,’ said Christopher. ‘A good display screen, bright and clear. Good keyboard functions with large keys.’
He asked about battery life – after fully charged, it would last a maximum of 400 hours on standby and up to 480 minutes speaking to someone.
‘I like the design, but I’m not sure how strong the case of the phone is,’ added Christopher. ‘It’s ergonomically friendly. I like the charge station and it has a good loudspeaker.’
Smartphone
The Emporia SMART.5 phone offers a quick set-up option, plus a 154-page training book that doesn’t assume you’ll work everything out intuitively. A ‘Touch trainer’ game helps you get used to tapping, swiping and zooming on the screen. It also has a camera.
Emporia SMART.5 phone.
Susan, at YODA, liked the optional screen cover, which leaves ‘buttons’ accessible for your four most important functions or contacts.
Esther asked if you can you use it with any network’s SIM card – you can, though it needs to be a nano SIM.
Matthew said, ‘It’s easy to use and has good functions.’
However, he pointed out that some people with dementia cannot remember instructions no matter how simple, and this can become tiring and stressful.
Claire, from our online shop, set the phone up for her dad, who has dementia. Nervous about using a smartphone, he agreed to try it with his familiar clamshell still to hand as a back-up.
‘Within two weeks, he didn’t want to return to the clamshell, so we transferred his number to the new SIM card,’ says Claire.
He’s mainly using it for calls, texts and simple games, and Claire has been able to add him to a family WhatsApp group.
‘This phone has been really useful for Dad and, after resisting a smartphone for more than six years, I’m glad he is getting comfortable with it.’
Prices (prices correct at February 2023)
- Simplicity Bar Phone – £37.50 plus VAT.
- Simplicity Clamshell V227 mobile phone – £54.17 plus VAT.
- Emporia SMART.5 phone – £207.50 plus VAT.
As with some other specially designed products, you don’t have to pay VAT on these if they’re for use by a person with dementia – tick the box stating that you’re eligible for VAT relief at checkout.
Helpful everyday products
We have a great range of products designed to help people with dementia and their carers to be more comfortable in their homes, while supporting independence and safety.