Phone issues with 88 year old FIL in AL. Advice please.

A standard phone might be easier and you can get them with buttons to dial particular people.
A standard phone is what he started using the first time he had a phone so it might come easier to him.

My Dad has 5 numbers he can call. The numbers are 1,2,3,4,5. Its set up so for me he just presses the #3 and my name comes up. He can't check messages or other cognitive processes or even a tv remote. So the phone and radio are his go to's. A call a day since I live in Nevada and Dad is in Washington. I used to visit every couple of months but not since Covid. Good luck.

My mother has a cell phone and she is like 98% incapable of using it. She cannot answer it when it rings, and she cannot dial out. It's been 'taught' to her umpteen times by everyone in the family.

As she doesn't leave the house but once in a week (and she's with YB the whole time) she has absolutely no need for a cell phone. But, YB had the landline in the house disconnected years ago and their whole family has cells. When mother complained to me about 5 years ago about how much she hates the cell phone, I told her to ask YB to reconnect the landline. He won't do it and I have no idea why. A control issue, I guess. Not my problem.

Mother's phone has an initial and name on the screen. To call, you simply tap that 'square' and the call is made. She can't figure it out.

Anything that requires the 'swipe' motion is also out, that is just too hard for her to deal with.

In her case, reconnecting the landline would be the best option. That 'skill' is one she has not lost.

My dad slowly forgot how to use his cell phone but he's always also had a standard landline phone also. Many years ago the speed dial buttons were set to #1 his girlfriend #2 his best friend #3 Me. He could also dial other numbers but due to vision limitations that was difficult to remember all the phone numbers and get them dialed correctly. He really only answered calls from others and made calls to the three of us. I've now realized that he now only uses the speed dial buttons and has to be reminded of who is which button even though they haven't changed in 20 years. I end every call with "Remember dad, I'm number 3 on the phone" but he never actually makes a call any more.

I imagine that we all almost intuitively know how to use a standard phone since we've been using them since we were children and that your father-in-law would be able to use a very simple phone (not a cordless or multiple button phone). The one with pictures would be perfect. If he starts using it now he'll be able to keep that skill for a longer time than if he had to learn a new kind of technology. My dad was computer savvy, used lots of assistive devices due to his vision limitations but those skills have slowly left him. Luckily the TV on off switch and the phone are still in his skill set.

Google ViewClix digital frame. You can set it up for specific people to be able to make video calls. The senior doesn’t have to do anything on their end for the call to connect and you can also see in their room. It has been a lifesaver for us!

Boy, I have to tell you that my bro never would accept or have smart phone or jitterbug like I have. And the real phone in his room became a real problem with the volume getting turned down and eventually I think even the receiver picked up wrong. He passed in May and now dealing with the same in his ex-partner. He recently moved to memory care where they live in individual cottages just as he had before, but locked and where there are no phones and TVs in their own rooms, which is great because the remotes and the phones just became so problematic. Now I call someone who directly hands him the phone. Boy, blessings upon them for the work they do there; can you imagine getting the phone to each senior? What times we are going through. I hear some people are now volunteering just to be with loved ones, and that seems to be working. They are getting tested, do several hours helping and visiting, and can see their elders. Dang this Covid-19; I would love to see it on its way. I am guessing, but I think you might be only in for more confusion. Only time and trying will tell.