If she has internet there are several options. I use 2 different ones for my dad with memory care issues but not sight issues. Both require no action on his part to answer, one requires only the push of one button …. and both are “video” calls.
The first is actually an app on an android tablet named Recall Cue Connect. If his memory was good, he COULD call me from this one also audio or video from the touch of one button on the screen. It has auto answer so I can just pop in and talk to him without him doing a thing.
The 2nd is a video phone from Amazon. It has a one button operation also or a hands free “auto” answer as well.
Both are simple, inexpensive and a game changer for myself and my dad. I believe both can be used without video if chosen.
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Check out a GrandPad through Consumer Cellular - its easy, large and inexpensive. It worked wonderfully for my mom. You control who can call so no scam calls. It also has been other features, pictures, music etc.
SusanTurley: As my mother was a legally blind lady (she had peripheral and VERY low vision only), I programmed her landline for speed dial, which meant that she would only have to press two buttons. However, she could not handle it. Although the Commissioner of the Blind assisted my mother with many devices, a telephone landline was not one of them. My mother live alone for fifty years and continued to do so even when wet AMD claimed her central vision.
Perhaps your mother's telephone carrier can assist with adaptive equipment.
I am on Washington state and I've seen a commercial for just this issue , a phone for seniors who cannot hear well enough . The words are typed out as they are said . I haven't paid attention to what its called but I will next time I see it and let you know . They come out and set up and show you how to use it for free .
To explain Sample’s reply, you can now simply say, “Call Mary” (or any saved contact) or “Call CVS” (or any business on the internet) and it will make the call without having to push any buttons. There is a red “end call” button but most folks on the receiving end will hang up before that’s necessary.
There is no need for a landline but you can purchase “retro-style” equipment, such as a coiled cord, cradle, etc. to make the phone seem familiar.☎️
Your Mom is 93. Can you tell us her current living circumstances? That is to say, does she live in a facility, or at your home, or is she still maintaining independence at home?
Some of these things suggested would work for someone a bit tech savvy, but that may not be her. I did notice with some at my brother's facility, that the time came when calls had to be done with help of staff, and through the facility. They were just not able to work the intricacies of TV remotes and phones any more.
You have some good suggestions, otherwise, so will wish you good luck.
There are multiple options to consider - which is best will depend on her needs and capabilities.
CELL PHONES: A smart phone can be set up with Siri or Google Assistant so calls can be made by saying, "Hey Google (Siri), call soAndSo." It could be kept in one place plugged in to stay charged. On Android phones it (which is all I have owned), it does require pressing a button to start Google Assistant.
This site has some cell phones that are designed to be easier to use for voice: https://www.razmobility.com/assistive-technology-blog/6-top-cell-phones-for-people-who-are-blind-or-visually-impaired-in-2023/
Finally, there is a phone specifically designed for blind people; is is called BlindShell2. It is expensive and the features are likely far more extensive than what your mother needs.
ECHO DEVICES If your mother has WiFi, get an Amazon Echo device. You can add phone numbers, and your mother can just say, "Alexa, call Susan (or anyone on the list)" and it will call. The challenge I had with this was that the audio wasn't great, but that may have improved. It is worth checking out!! Likewise, if you put the Alexa app on your phone, you could call or "drop in" on her.
"LAND LINE" PHONES Perhaps you could use a phone like this, where instead of pictures, there is just a color and/or large letter she could press: https://www.alzstore.com/memory-picture-photo-phone-p/0028.htm
Here is a phone with GIANT numbers: https://www.elderdepot.com/future_call_40db_amplified_big_button_phone.php?cat=376&page=1
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IMO there should be easy to use voice activated phones at this point in time. I'm either missing them online, or they just don't exist. Note: there is one on Amazon, but the reviews are abysmal; don't waste your money.
EcoDot - Alexa. You can easily purchase through Amazon My sister, who has MS is completely paralyzed and uses it to voice activate phone calls. As well, my mom who had a stroke two years ago, uses hers to make phone calls. your mom will love it!
When I look up best voice. Activated home phones they are crazy expensive but...... One article popped up on phones for dementia patients and they are not that expensive and have big buttons.
Her local phone provider should have adaptive phone equipment available for her use free of charge.
We got my mother a phone from their phone company with adjustable volume, tone, and gigantic buttons she could see well enough in spite of her macular degeneration. The only drawback to the phone was that in spite of being a push button phone, it worked like a dial one, and you couldn't do the "push 1 to speak to a customer service representative" -type calls.
Also contact the Braille Institute for other helpful aids for people with vision issues. You don't have be completely blind to use their services.
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You can add photos of the people she wants to call:
https://www.alzstore.com/memory-picture-phone-p/0030.htm?utm_source=google&gad_source=1&utm_campaign=High+Priority+-+PLA&utm_medium=pla
The first is actually an app on an android tablet named Recall Cue Connect. If his memory was good, he COULD call me from this one also audio or video from the touch of one button on the screen. It has auto answer so I can just pop in and talk to him without him doing a thing.
The 2nd is a video phone from Amazon. It has a one button operation also or a hands free “auto” answer as well.
Both are simple, inexpensive and a game changer for myself and my dad. I believe both can be used without video if chosen.
CIAJIE Two-Way Video Camera 2.8-inch Screen,Pet Camera,Dog Camera,Indoor Home Nanny Camera,Baby/Elder/Nanny/Dog/Pet Camera with Phone... https://a.co/d/eAKX7aM
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Perhaps your mother's telephone carrier can assist with adaptive equipment.
There is no need for a landline but you can purchase “retro-style” equipment, such as a coiled cord, cradle, etc. to make the phone seem familiar.☎️
Some of these things suggested would work for someone a bit tech savvy, but that may not be her. I did notice with some at my brother's facility, that the time came when calls had to be done with help of staff, and through the facility. They were just not able to work the intricacies of TV remotes and phones any more.
You have some good suggestions, otherwise, so will wish you good luck.
CELL PHONES:
A smart phone can be set up with Siri or Google Assistant so calls can be made by saying, "Hey Google (Siri), call soAndSo." It could be kept in one place plugged in to stay charged. On Android phones it (which is all I have owned), it does require pressing a button to start Google Assistant.
This site has some cell phones that are designed to be easier to use for voice: https://www.razmobility.com/assistive-technology-blog/6-top-cell-phones-for-people-who-are-blind-or-visually-impaired-in-2023/
Finally, there is a phone specifically designed for blind people; is is called BlindShell2. It is expensive and the features are likely far more extensive than what your mother needs.
ECHO DEVICES
If your mother has WiFi, get an Amazon Echo device. You can add phone numbers, and your mother can just say, "Alexa, call Susan (or anyone on the list)" and it will call. The challenge I had with this was that the audio wasn't great, but that may have improved. It is worth checking out!! Likewise, if you put the Alexa app on your phone, you could call or "drop in" on her.
"LAND LINE" PHONES
Perhaps you could use a phone like this, where instead of pictures, there is just a color and/or large letter she could press: https://www.alzstore.com/memory-picture-photo-phone-p/0028.htm
Here is a phone with GIANT numbers: https://www.elderdepot.com/future_call_40db_amplified_big_button_phone.php?cat=376&page=1
===============================
IMO there should be easy to use voice activated phones at this point in time. I'm either missing them online, or they just don't exist. Note: there is one on Amazon, but the reviews are abysmal; don't waste your money.
My sister, who has MS is completely paralyzed and uses it to voice activate phone calls. As well, my mom who had a stroke two years ago, uses hers to make phone calls.
your mom will love it!
https://www.communityphone.org/blogs/telephones-for-seniors-with-dementia
We got my mother a phone from their phone company with adjustable volume, tone, and gigantic buttons she could see well enough in spite of her macular degeneration. The only drawback to the phone was that in spite of being a push button phone, it worked like a dial one, and you couldn't do the "push 1 to speak to a customer service representative" -type calls.
Also contact the Braille Institute for other helpful aids for people with vision issues. You don't have be completely blind to use their services.