Mobile phone suitable for older person?

Be_Happy

newleaf wrote: »

Thanks for your help everyone.
I have ordered the Doro handle plus 334, with the 4 programmable buttons. It will be perfect.
Mum lives in sheltered housing and has an emergency pull cord in every room. She fell whilst at home, but wouldn't pull the cord as she didn't want to make a fuss!
I've persuaded her to consider moving to a ground floor flat in the same scheme. (She currently lives on 1st floor and there's no lift, so she has been housebound since coming home from casualty last Sunday).

The 4 buttons are ideal. They are all my sister uses. One point to watch is that your Mum remembers to charge the phone and knows that she can switch it off when not in use. You'll get a shock when you see how big it is compared to standard phones, but makes it less likely to get lost. Her one is PAYG with Virgin and I've programmed one of the buttons to dial the number for amount of credit remaining. I've also registered her phone on Virgin website and can check calls made, costs, credit remaining, etc if there's ever a problem.

Just had a look at the one you mention. It is even more basic than my sister's as her's has the 4 buttons and usual number keys. This one will be even clearer to use and will be a good replacement for my sister's if her one ever breaks down.

alanq

I see that the Doro Handleplus 334 is available from Boots Hearing Care.

There is a free Priority Club for whose members' the phone price is £97.74. I am not clear if that is ex-VAT. If the price includes VAT that is a good price. (Not sure about Advantage Card Points?) Otherwise the Club price is about the same as the ex-VAT price elsewhere.

Strangely the online form to enrol in the Club asks for a phone number It says "Telephone* (We will call you on this number to process your membership)". It doesn't seem very sensible that a Club for the hard of hearing requires a phone call when applicants could provide information online or in writing.

I would worry about the possibility of being given a hard sell to use a privately supplied hearing aid instead one supplied by the NHS.

http://www.bootshearingcare.com/accessories/mobile-phones/doro-handleplus-334

newleaf

I think they would sell a lot more of these specialist phones if they were more widely advertised. It's only when you find yourself with a crisis on your hands that you start to investigate the possibilities, and discover they've been around for ages without you knowing anything about them.

Indie_Kid

newleaf wrote: »

I think they would sell a lot more of these specialist phones if they were more widely advertised. It's only when you find yourself with a crisis on your hands that you start to investigate the possibilities, and discover they've been around for ages without you knowing anything about them.

I agree. I only know about Talks because a few friends mentioned it. Someone at O2 didn't even know what Talks is.

newleaf

Mum's Doro phone came today and it is brilliant! It's exactly what she needs, and we're both really pleased with it.
It was a bit of a slog to set it all up and programme the speed dials, with it having no keypad, but it's all done now and we've been practising calling one another on it all afternoon. I've used the Tesco PAYG SIM that came with the Nokia phone I bought her initially, and it works fine.
Mum's delighted to join the 21st century, and I'm sure it will give her peace of mind when she is well enough to go out alone again.

newleaf

sh1305 wrote: »

I agree. I only know about Talks because a few friends mentioned it. Someone at O2 didn't even know what Talks is.

What is Talks? Never heard of it either. Please share

alanq

Perhaps this software?

http://www.nuance.com/for-individuals/by-solution/talks-zooms/index.htm

Indie_Kid

alanq wrote: »

Perhaps this software?

http://www.nuance.com/for-individuals/by-solution/talks-zooms/index.htm

Yes Alan, that's what Talks is.:)

alanq

I've ordered a Doro 338 for my elderly mother. The mobile I got her several years ago is too small and fiddly and her hearing is not as good as it used to be. I want to get a protective case for it. I cannot figure out the one on offer from the manufacturer. The pictures on all the websites are the same and explain nothing.
http://www.m2cshop.com/store/product.php?productid=906

I would be grateful for information that you can provide I assume that the square hole is for the emergency button. Is the Doro emblem on a flap or a clip? Some places mention a belt loop others a clip. Does the phone have to be totally removed from the case to make and answer calls?

Have any of you found another suitable pouch/case?

Errata

Not sure if these user instructions for the 338 will help, sorry can't find any info on the case. Connevans staff are usually very helpful if you give them a ring.
http://www.connevans.com/instructions/40gsm338.pdf