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A thunderstorm knocked out my mom's landline VOIP box and one of the phone lines in the house, so new AT&T phones were purchased. Problem is, I am 1,000 miles away and programming these things with her is nearly impossible.


Anyone know of any phones that can be programmed remotely? We had the number of rings set up; now they ring 10 times before the answering machine picks up. I can tell this will be an ongoing battle from here on in.


I need phones I can do ALL of the settings remotely from here as they are needed. Any suggestions or products?

Time to call local council on aging and agency on aging in your area and find out the best foot forward on this. You aren't, I think, going to be able to handle remote phones, handling them nor her efficacy in handling them.
What she needs now is either understanding she isn't any longer safe at home alone, someone in the area to check on her or your having cameras you can monitor with your phone within her home. This is soon going to be something where she isn't likely safe being home alone.
I am so sorry.
I hope others have better hints for you to delay all that.
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Reply to AlvaDeer
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https://www.alzstore.com/picture-memory-phone-dementia-s/1843.htm

I have a RAZ mobility phone for my Mom that I control completely from my phone but it looks like a smartphone but no internet access.
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Reply to Geaton777
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RAZ memory phone is what we are looking into. Total control from your smartphone.
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Reply to KMM123
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RAZ Memory Phone might be an option. It’s designed specifically for seniors with dementia and features a simple interface with large photo based contacts. Caregivers can manage everything remotely through an online portal or app. While it requires an internet connection for updates, it provides a highly controlled experience for the user.

Another possibility is Consumer Cellular’s GrandPad. While technically a tablet, the GrandPad offers a completely locked down environment designed for seniors. Caregivers can add contacts, adjust settings, and limit internet access remotely. It runs on a cellular connection but prevents unwanted browsing or downloads.

I hope this information helps you find the right solution for your mother.
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Reply to HaveYourBack
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Look into a GrandPad from Consumer Cellular - you control everything and it has lots of various activities for them. Reasonably priced.
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Reply to Animalpal
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Look at the RAZ. It's amazing. You will do all programing thru their app.
It will not have internet browsing for the user, but for my husband, who it gradually losing his ability to navigate any electronics due to vascular dementia (and for my own sanity), it's been a life changer. it is compatible with multiple carriers and I got 3 months of free service through Affinity Mobile (which I have been pleased with), but I will probably change over to Consumer Cellular at the end of the 3 months just because we have been with them for years. Love this RAZ
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Reply to datanp97
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Animallovers Mar 30, 2025
I just got a RAZ for my mother and it is great!
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MrJuanderful: Perhaps you can contact the Council on Aging in your mother's locality.
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Reply to Llamalover47
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Hi, Look into the RAZ phone for seniors, those with Dementia etc. it’s very easy to use. One good trick I learned is to set it on auto answer and turn the volume up all the way, it has to be all the way up. Then when you call your mom, after the second ring, you can just say “hi mom” “hi mom” and she will walk over to the phone or wherever it is. My mom is asked to please leave it plugged in 24/7 on her kitchen counter because that is close enough to where she normally is in the house to hear us say “hello mom” when we call.
Also, you set people’s pictures on the phone and all they have to do is press their finger on the picture of the person they want to call, and they will automatically be dialed.
It also has cool features so you can see the calls that your loved one makes and the ones that they receive. I can do that from my house which is almost 100 miles away.
This was the 4th phone in an attempt to get one that she could easily use.
Is like a cell phone, you can take it with you, but only has the making and receiving calls function. It does NOT have an answering/ voice mail recording feature.
Hope this helps! 😀
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Reply to KatTorrecillas
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Most seniors find that simpler technology is easier to use. We are soon getting my mother a flip phone with pre-programmed/saved phone numbers. She is going blind and needs tactile buttons since iPhones are not working for her.
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