Mobile phone - dexterity/sight problems.

Infidel

Hi.

Just a quick one. I need to buy a mobile phone for an elderly relative (with dexterity issues and not the best sight).

So basically big buttons and a large screen. Easy to use. Unlocked.
Won't be used every day - mainly just for 'emergencies'.

I've had a quick look around but non the wiser as all seem to have 'bad reviews'.

Surely some of you guys will have a recommendation or two. Thanks a lot and continue to enjoy the Indian Summer.

Debbie_Savard

>mainly just for 'emergencies'.<

Don't forget all the PAYG SIM providers will take the money if there's no txts/calls for a set period of time.

I've given TTfone units to old folks and they seem OK

SouthUKMan

About a year ago I bought an old school flip / clam shell phone from an O2 shop for an elderly relative for those 'emergency' situations. It was £19.95 contract free and had a numeric keypad, a green button to dial and a red button to end a call. In terms of mobile phones you couldn't find one much simpler. I bought a pay as you go sim. You have to put a minimum of £10 credit on it and use it within 6 months otherwise the credit expires - but that's not so bad. Phone + 12 months credit = £60 for one year of peace of mind.

neilmcl

"Indian Summer", you're joking right?

Anyway, take a look at this - https://www.choose.co.uk/guide/best-mobile-phones-for-elderly.html

RumRat

You won't go far wrong with this Doro Phone Argos
My Grandfather in his 90's uses one quite happily.

Infidel

Thanks. I'll have a look into the suggestions.

I've seen on videos that most of these kind of phones actually have a 'voice' that says the numbers as they are typed. Does anyone know if you can turn this feature off?

Infidel

Debbie_Savard wrote: »

>mainly just for 'emergencies'.<

Don't forget all the PAYG SIM providers will take the money if there's no txts/calls for a set period of time.

My next question was going to be about a PAYG sim that gives you the most time before wiping the credit. This is more difficult as things are hidden in the T&Cs and even they change all the time.

I was initially thinking about O2.

DoaM

giffgaff airtime credit doesn't expire (as far as I recall, and this giffgaff forum post from Jan 2017 supports my belief), but a one call or text needs to be sent every 6 months to prevent the SIM card becoming deactivated.

More info about giffgaff top up credit.

Farway

Many will fit the bill, but most require a call / text to be made at least every 6 months

Have a look here http://mobilenetworkcomparison.org.uk/compare/ to compare, there is a section on when credit expires

You also have to watch out for a top required every few months regardless of use or credit remaining, like 1p mobile

Infidel

"most comprehensive mobile network comparison table in existence"

O2 or GiffGaff look like the most likely. I'm just unsure of the rules around using phones outside of the UK (in the EU zone). I did hear that fees - such as to receive calls on a UK number whilst on holiday for example - have supposedly been scrapped?

Infidel

neilmcl wrote: »

"Indian Summer", you're joking right?

Anyway, take a look at this - https://www.choose.co.uk/guide/best-mobile-phones-for-elderly.html

Well the end of September was quite nice.:beer:

As for the link. It's a good one, but unfortunately it seems dated as some phones have been discontinued or are unavailable.

Now it's freezing. Brrrrrr! Soon time to leave for the sun.