Searching for the best alarm clocks for seniors is not an easy venture. There are numerous brands on the market and many of them look very similar, so it is easy to be confused.
The trick is to be able to quickly compare their features using similar criteria because although they may look similar, many brands come with slightly different features.
As with any purchase you wish to make, it is important that you be armed with your “absolute must-haves” or you can easily be dazzled and confused by available listings.
This article combs through the crowded marketplace and presents comparative information of different designs and brands in an easy format to speed up your decision-making. Many are good for special needs – Memory Loss, Dementia, Alzheimer’s and the Vision Impaired.
Furthermore, many of these alarm clocks make very good gifts for the special senior in your life – especially those that may have some hearing or vision impairment!
Table of Contents
Features of the Best Alarm Clocks for Seniors
Analog or Digital
Although largely outdated, there are still people who would much rather use analog clocks. These clocks constantly need to be reset, and their display is usually quite small. On the other hand, the setting is easy for a digital alarm clock, the display is large and clear, and you have a back light or lit display option.
Size and Display
The alarm clock needs to be large enough for easy visibility yet small enough to fit on a nightstand or small desk. The time and date display must be clear and large for individuals who struggle with their vision.
Ensure it has a dimmer setting that allows you to turn down the display brightness. An alarm clock that is too bright can interfere with your sleep pattern.
Settings
There should be easy to use buttons and settings. Brightness and alarm tone and sound settings. Dimmer and sleep function. Bright lights and vibration with alarm and snoozing button.
Alarm Options and Volume
The Alarm should be easy to set, adjustable and loud enough to be heard by an older person. Options include a beeping sound, AM/FM radio and snooze options, or music.
In a situation where the individual is completely deaf, a vibrating or Shaker alarm may be more beneficial.
Extra Features
A voice reading the date or time or the projection of the same on a wall or ceiling are helpful features for the visually impaired.
There are now some digitally smart alarm clocks that can display the date, weather, and even pictures.
This article presents a roundup comparison of five of the best alarm clocks for seniors. While I do have my favorites, the final decision is entirely up to you!
General Criteria for the Roundup Comparison of the Best Alarm Clocks for Elderly People
These include the item weight, dimensions, battery backup capability, wall or desktop mounting, the presence of multi-function alarm settings, types of special needs consumer, customer support and customer review
Véfaîî Digital Clock with 19 Alarms & Remote Control
PRODUCT DETAILS
- Item Weight: 699 grams
- Product Dimensions :23.19 x 19.1 x 8.2 cm
- Screen size: 8″
- Mounting Type: Table or Wall Mount
- Color: White or Black
- Material: Information not provided
- Batteries: Not included- Lithium metal
- Alarm:
- Display & Brightness; Large font and display. Brightness is Automatic – brightens during the day and darkens at night
- Good for Special Needs: Memory Loss, Dementia, Alzheimer’s and the Vision Impaired.
UPGRADED 2023 FEATURES
- Véfaîî #804 clock is designed for seniors, school kids, and those working from home, etc.
- There are 16 programmable reminders to guide daily activities (This is a unique feature)
- In the upgraded version, alarms automatically shut off after 15, 30, or 45 seconds, or, 1, 3 or 5 minutes.
- There are 4 major User Interfaces and 14 Texts colors
- Buttons have been redesigned and enlarged for easy access and operation
- Can be set on the desk or hung on the wall
- Auto-Dim and brightness change with time
- There are 5 Language options
- 19 helpful reminders include: Having Meals, Bedtime, Drink Water, Check door is closed, Shower, Blood Sugar Level Test, Appointment, etc.
- New reminders for 2022 are wear your mask or wash your hands
- Alarms may Repeat daily from Monday to Friday, Weekends or Weekly.
EXTRA FEATURES – PROS
- The clock has two modes of control – its buttons or remote control. The New Remote Controller allows the clock to be adjusted from up to 16 feet away.
- This digital alarm clock has 19 Daily Activity Alarm Options, 5 extra customs alarms, in addition to MORE calendar and clock themes.
- Automatic Time Reset – In the event of a power outage, the digital clock will be reset to the correct time and date when the power returns. The clock requires an A/C adapter (included) to operate and does not run on batteries. It is shipped with a removable screen protector.
- Easy to use: Just plug into an outlet and the day clock automatically starts to work.
CONS
- In one case the SD Card slot did not work although the USB port instead)
- Does not automatically adjust for Daylight Saving Time.
AMERICAN LIFETIME the Newest Version Day Clock Extra Large Impaired Vision Digital Clock with Battery Backup
PRODUCT DETAILS
- Item Weight: 544.31 grams
- Product Dimensions :17.81 x 8.41 x 24.1 cm
- Screen size: 8″
- Mounting: Freestanding
- Color: White, Mahogany
- Material: Information not provided
- Batteries: Has battery back up in case of a power outage, which helps it automatically reset to the correct time and date in EST when the power returns :
- Alarm: Includes multi-function alarms. Set up to 5 daily alarms, with the option of reminders to take medications throughout the day
- Display & Brightness: There is a large display, with an automatic dimmer from 7 pm – 7 am
- Good for these: Special Needs: Memory Loss, Dementia, Alzheimer’s and the Vision Impaired
EXTRA FEATURES – PROS
- Hourly chime with on and off option
CONS
- Button to turn off the alarm is not on the face of the clock but can be easily accessed
RAYNIC Digital Clock, 11.5″ Large LED Word Display Dimmable Digital Wall Clock
PRODUCT DETAILS
- Item Weight: 453.59 grams
- Product Dimensions :25.4 x 17.78 x 2.54 cm
- Screen size: 11.5′” extra-large display
- Mounting: Desktop or wall mount
- Colour: Black
- Material: Plastic
- Batteries: This alarm clock only supports power cord use, but comes with a built-in backup CR2032 coin-cell battery
- Alarm: 3 alarm modes
- Display & Brightness: Large display with five adjustable dimming and brightness options.
- Good for these Special Needs: Elderly
EXTRA FEATURES – PROS
- This digital clock is very easy to set, with 2 USB ports and a snooze function, so you can charge your phone and other electronic devices while you snooze.
- Measures indoor temperature
- Great reviews about customer service
CONS
- Take extra care so the buttons on the back are not bumped during wall mounting as it will throw off the settings
MESQUOOL STORE 11.5” Digital Wall Large Calendar Day Clock
PRODUCT DETAILS
- Item Weight: NOT PROVIDED
- Product Dimensions :22.1 x 9.9 x 4.1 cm
- Screen size: 11.5′” extra-large LED display showing time, date, week and indoor temperature
- Mounting: Desktop or Wall mount
- Colour: Black
- Material: Plastic
- Batteries: This alarm clock only supports power cord use, but has a built-in backup battery
- Alarm: Three alarm modes allow you to set alarms for weekday, weekend or everyday
- Display & Brightness: There are 5 Dimmers
- Good for these Special Needs: Elderly, Seniors, those with Memory Loss or Impaired Vision
- Offer a 12-Month Replacement, 18-month Extended Warranty, 3-Month Money Back and a 24-Hour customer service. Contact the help email box (help@mesqool.com)
EXTRA FEATURES – PROS
- Two USB Charging Ports
- Measures indoor temperature displayed in degrees Fahrenheit or degrees Celsius
- Offers a choice of 24hr or 12hr settings for time, simply press the DST button to activate Daylight Saving Times manually
CONS
- All the buttons except for the dual purpose snooze/dimmer button are in the back.
BOCTOP Digital Alarm Clock with Simple Operation and Adjustable Alarm Volume
PRODUCT DETAILS
- Item Weight: 272.16 grams (Light)
- Product Dimensions :16.5.1 x 9.9 x 4.1 cm
- Screen size: 11.5″ extra-large LED display showing time, date, week and indoor temperature
- Mounting: Desktop or Wall mount
- Colour: Black
- Material: Plastic
- Batteries: This alarm clock only supports power cord use, but also has a built-in backup battery. The battery backup feature memorizes the time and alarm settings in the event of a power outage. Note that during the battery backup, the screen will go blank, but the clock will display the correct time once the power is restored.
- Alarm: Loud alarm and snooze. The clock comes with one of the loudest alarms which can be adjusted from low to high based on need. The alarm will continue for 10 minutes ensuring that you will be waking up. There is also a 9-minute snooze that can be continually pressed until the alarm itself is switched off
- Display & Brightness: Illuminated large LED digits with a dimmable slider.
- Good for these Special Needs: The Elderly, Seniors, those with Memory Loss and Impaired Vision
EXTRA FEATURES – PROS
- USB PORT FOR CHARGING – The extra USB port allows you to charge your smartphone, iPad or another smart device without needing to plug into any wall outlet.
- Measures indoor temperature displayed in degrees Fahrenheit or degrees Celsius
CONS
- Lightweight
- Only powered by a USB cable
Final Words on the Best Alarm Clocks for Seniors
The best alarm clocks for seniors were pooled from a review of the extensive market of products available to consumers Five brands of digital alarm clocks suitable for seniors, the elderly, hearing impaired, those with memory loss, Alzheimer’s and Dementia models were compiled and reviewed in this article.
Leave a comment below if you find the article informative or if you have a question.
Related Articles
How Aging Affects Vision. Best Foods for Aging Eyes
Eye Health in Seniors. What to Expect in Aging Adults
References
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders – NIDCD (2012)https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/age-which-hearing-loss-begins
Hi,
Thank you for this detailed and thorough reviews on these alarm clocks.
In order to prevent the Alarm clock going off at the right time, I wanted an alarm clock with a battery backup capability.
Glad to know all these alarm clocks have such feature.
Another important feature I have in mind as a decision maker is a clock which provides light.
It seems waking up with light is more gently and more gradually and it has effet on our mood.
Do you have any recommendations for me.
If not, I think I the Boctop Digital Alarm is okay for me.
Thanks
Hi Sebastian,
Thanks for stopping by. All the alarm clocks reviewed are lighted as that would be a major requirement for most seniors when they get up at night since they need to be able to see the time. I hope you like your selection.
Ceci
A good analysis of these alarm for seniors. I love all of them. To me it seems that this is not just limited to seniors as most of us would love to get something that will make our lives more convienint.
In fact I will be getting a gift for my grandma and I think these are great gifts for her. I will bookmark the page and check it out towards her birthday.
Hi Thabo,
I have no doubt your grandma will love one of these alarm clocks specially designed for seniors. You are also quite right. These alarm clocks are beautiful and functional for everyone and not only for seniors.
Ceci
Wow, what a wonderful information about alarm clocks for seniors. I like the American Lifetime the most. The design of it, reminds me a photography, so it is really not disturbing with the overall setting of the room. The automatic dimmer is additional great feature. I am just wondering, does it have bluetooth connection?
Hi Julius,
Any alarm clock with the bluetooth feature will have it identified under their “Product Details” section.
Ceci
With a top-class collection of premium alarm clocks, this review becomes a gem for me as I’m searching for one for my little daughter. I find this list of best alarm clocks for seniors well-suits to the children also because all of them are featured with digital analogs, easy for the young kids to watch the exact time. Indeed, the special feature of the USB charging option really grabbed my attention!
AMERICAN LIFETIME offers the best outlook to me, although it probably lacks the temperature detecting option. Mesquool digital clock looks really smart and incorporated with 2 USB ports! Pretty impressive. I need to have another in-depth look at these before placing my order. Thank you for this descriptive review.
Dr SD, delighted that you found this article informative. I totally agree with you that these digital alarm clocks would also do well for children. The AMERICAN LIFETIME is certainly a popular brand. Think of the specific needs you want the clock to address. This may or may not include USB ports – which of course is definitely a “nice to have”!
I hope your daughter loves your final choice! 🙂
Ceci
Hello Ceci,
Thanks so much for your clear descriptions of the five different alarm clocks for seniors. I love that you pointed out the pros and cons as you saw them. It is also nice to know about all the features because I am not always sure of what I want or need until I buy one and then see another with some cool features. I think the new additional USB ports are a great addition to alarm clocks and large numbers to be seen from afar.
I will be hanging on to this information to purchase a new alarm when I am ready to do so.
Thanks so much,
Erlene
Hi Erlene,
I find that knowing the pros and the cons of similar items is especially helpful in decision making, especially for seniors who do not want to be running around.
Glad that you found value in the article!
Ceci
Amazing article! Learned a lot about alarm clock for senior, I never thought there were specific alarm clock for senior but I’m glad to know those am who are impaired in some way can find alternatives out there. I don’t like the thought of sleeping with my phone so closed to me because of radiation and so on but at the moment o do because I rely on it for the alarm and check the time. I deeply consider getting a beside table alarm clock and kind fancied some of the alarm clock feature on this article. Do you know and good, digital alarm clock that you can recommend?
Thank you
Hi,
Digital alarm clocks for seniors work equally well for non-seniors and any of the models reviewed in this post may be considered.
Ceci