Innovative assistive technologies such as cell phones for seniors with dementia help decrease the burden of care and increase the independence of affected seniors.
This is particularly helpful because people with dementia progressively lose their independence and autonomy, causing a sharp increase in the care they need.
Is There a Difference Between Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease?
According to the World Health Organization (2017), as the world’s population rapidly increases, the number of seniors and elderly with cognitive impairment will also increase.
The current global population of 47 million people experiencing dementia is projected to triple by 2050.
Dementia is not a specific disease but a general term for cognitive decline that causes an impaired ability to remember, think, or make decisions that interferes with daily activities.
It is an umbrella term encompassing many diagnoses, including Alzheimer’s disease, which is the most common dementia condition.
Though dementia mainly affects older adults, it is not a part of normal aging (CDC 2022)
People with dementia experience not only cognitive, but psychological changes.
While they can benefit from support for more complex tasks in the early stages, as the disease progresses, people become fully dependent on others to complete even basic activities of daily living (PubMed 2017).
The disease can impact a person’s problem-solving skills, capacity for keeping up with routine tasks like paying bills and ability to remember where they put their wallet or phone. People with dementia are also more susceptible to phone scams.
Benefits of Cell Phones
Many older adults who struggle with memory issues often find cell phones hard to use, and it is not uncommon for them to refuse to use them. however, cell phones can help them remember the date, time, phone numbers of family members, and other important information.
Many forms of dementia initially affect short-term memory, while the onset of long-term memory loss shows up much later. For older adults who live alone, a cell phone can be an essential part of their ability to communicate.
A reliable cell phone helps alleviate communication barriers, giving them an easy way to keep in touch with family, friends, and health professionals.
Cell phones for seniors with dementia have the following basic features – large buttons, bright screens, powerful speakers and some form of emergency assistance.
Unique Phone Problems Faced by the Elderly with Dementia
Seniors and the elderly with dementia encounter two unique problems when they try to navigate the functions of an average cell phone many of which are not user-friendly enough for this condition. These are loss of the phone, and forgetting phone numbers.
The stage of dementia and the accompanying behaviors should guide the choice of a cell phone.
Someone with mild cognitive impairment may be able to manage a smartphone relatively easily, while another person with middle-stage Alzheimer’s disease might have difficulty.
Losing the phone:
Seniors with dementia can become highly agitated or stressed when they either misplace or lose a phone due to forgetfulness. Pouches or cell phone cases that can be worn around the neck like a lanyard may help them keep track of their phones.
Forgetting phone numbers:
This is a common trait of dementia. Phones for people with dementia typically allow programming only with important numbers. These are for the numbers of their children and emergency services. These phones also pairing photos with contact cards and internet functions can be disabled.
How to Choose the Best Cell Phones for Seniors with Dementia
There are general and safety features to consider when looking for the best option for seniors with dementia.
General Features
1. Simple, Easy to Use Functions
Simplicity of ease of accessibility of functions is a top criterion. Calling and text messages are usually the most important functions for seniors with dementia, so ensuring simplicity of these tasks is paramount.
Furthermore, having simple volume control and an on/off button are also helpful. Some phone models even go a step further and have the home screen always in the on mode.
This ensures that the phone never locks or falls asleep because it is always ready to use. Such phones also do not require a pass code,
2. Easy to Read Screen with Big Buttons and Numbers
Cell phones with big buttons and easy-to-read, large numbers are usually the best cell phones for seniors with dementia. This is because some older adults may have difficulty with the swipe function.
Being able to readily navigate the phone provides these seniors with a sense of independence.
3. Voice-Activated Calling
Phones with Siri or Google voice activation software can make calling easier, as well as help the user set helpful reminders and make notes for later.
These same functions can also create frustration for those with impaired speech
Long-Lasting Battery Life
The phone being considered should have a long-lasting battery life. This is especially important for seniors with dementia where the user may forget to charge the phone.
Even If the user misplaces it or forgets to recharge the phone, the long battery life will ensure that the phone can remain functional for a longer period of time.
Safety Features
1. Emergency Functions
An SOS or emergency function is very helpful—not only if the user gets lost, but also in the event of an emergency like a fall or a fire. This function can eliminate the need for multiple safety devices, giving seniors fewer items to keep track of at any given time.
2. Controlled Access of Incoming Callers
“Do Not Disturb” mode is a safety feature that can be used to allow only certain people to contact the user, which can reduce the risk of scammer phone calls, or telemarketers. This feature limits incoming calls to only trusted contact in the directory. .
Inclusion of Brain Training Memory Apps
Patients with dementia who are tech savvy and can navigate apps can use the camera to take photos to help remind them of things (addresses, names, and addresses), make lists (things to do or buy) and refer to a calendar when necessary. Such tools can help a senior with dementia retain some autonomy.
Conclusion
Mobile technologies can partially compensate for decreased function owing to dementia. Cell phones for seniors with dementia help decrease the burden of care and increase their independence.
Related Articles
Best Cell Phones for Senior Citizens
Mobile Phones for Hearing Impaired. How to Select
References
World Health Organization. 2017. [2018-12-16]. 10 Facts on Dementia http://www.who.int/features/factfiles/dementia/en/
D’Onofrio G, et al (2017). Information and communication technologies for the activities of daily living in older patients with dementia: a systematic review. J Alzheimers Dis. 57(3):927–35. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28304297/
Bon Mi Koo, et al (2019) Examining Mobile Technologies to Support Older Adults With Dementia Through the Lens of Personhood and Human Needs: Scoping Review JMIR.7(11): e15122.
CDC (2022) What is Dementia? https://www.cdc.gov/aging/dementia/index.html
So, is dementia a part of Alzheimer’s or can one also have dementia without having Alzheimers? I’m a little confused about the difference.
I think that Siri on your phone is the best solution. You just tell Siri what you want and it does everything for you. I’ve never used a phone with Siri before but I’ve seen friends do it and it looks like a great voice-activated service.
Losing a phone is nervewrecking. I have also misplaced my phone several times and it can be unnerving because what if I left it in a place where it will get sunny in a little while and the phone might heat up? Hanging the phone on a cord around your neck is a great solution, although I wonder if it wouldn’t get irritating to have that weight hanging from you. Even the smallest weighs get heavier when you carry them for a while.
One can also use speed-dial on the phone, 1 for daughter/son, 2 for doctor, etc. Like that you don’t have to remember phone numbers.
Thanks for your thoughts on this subject Christine.
Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia and is a s specific brain disease. It is marked by symptoms of dementia that gradually get worse over time.
Siri is a great option for seniors not experiencing dementia but perhaps not very suitable for those experiencing dementia because the condition interferes with the conduct of daily activities due to forgetfulness.
My mother has dementia and helping her keep a phone handy has been difficult. She’ll misplace it, and several times it’s been very frustrating trying to reach her with no answer. I always keep my numbers handy where I know she can find them if needed, and I’m grateful that she does call me if she’s upset or needs help.
I never heard of the “Do Not Disturb” option mentioned in your article, but I’m so glad I did. Mother will answer any phone call, and she has fell for a few scams. With the economy becoming even worse, the scam calls seem to become more frequent. To me, this would be one of the greatest features not only for seniors with dementia, but for most seniors, as they are one of the largest demographic groups to get scammed.
I am delighted that you have learned about the “Do Not Disturb” option as it is so important for us to protect our vulnerable senior loved ones from these scammers. I hope you will look into getting the option on her phone.
Ceci