If your parents or grandparents are getting to the age where their eyesight or hearing isn’t what it used to be, it’s a good idea to consider upgrading their home phone system.
A good set of cordless phones for seniors should ensure that you can get in touch with them no matter where they are around the house. So, let’s look at some of the best options currently available.
Best Cordless Phones for Seniors
VTech SN5127 – Best Overall
- Note: The buttons are white color not orange as the image represents the orange color due to the visual ringers that light up when receiving a phone call.Caller ID/call waiting—stores 50 calls | DECT 6.0 digital technology | 50 name and number phonebook directory | Last 10 number redial
- 50Db audio assist: temporarily increases overall volume by up to 50Db and enhances Sound frequencies that make speech easier to understand.1, 000 Name and number smart call Block directory
- Photo dial: never forget whose number is whose. Program four frequently dialed Phone numbers and attach a photo to each one for convenient speed dialing.
For most people, this option from Vtech will likely be the best option for their needs. It has everything that you could need of a cordless phone, and due to it’s design, it is perfect for seniors and elderly people.
If you need a large directory of numbers, then this phone would make a good choice. You can store up to 1000 numbers on it, so this should be more than enough for anyone who needs the capability to store a lot of numbers.
The large buttons and the easy to read display also make this a perfect option for seniors, as they won’t have any trouble identifying who one number from another.
It also has a 90dB ringer, so even those hard of hearing will be able to hear who is calling. This is good for optimal battery performance and convenient dialling.
You can also order this phone with an extra phone which displays a large picture extension. This would work perfectly for elderly people who work better with faces, as it will allow them to easily recognise someone from their list and make a call that way.
So overall, with the added features of this cordless phone, it currently makes it my top option in 2020.
AT&T EL52313 – Runner Up
- Enjoy a speakerphone that can keep up with your calls. Increase participation by allowing both ends to speak—and be heard—at the same time for conversations that are more true to life.
- Easy-to-read LCD on the cordless handset. High-contrast black text on a white background provides for an easy-to-read screen to view incoming Caller ID or review call history. The lighted keypad also allows for easy dialing in low-light conditions.
- Enlarged font and extra-large, backlit keys make the keypad easy to use. This feature is especially helpful for those who are visually impaired.
If you’re looking for the best overall collective set of cordless phones, then it’s a pretty safe bet to stick with AT&T. You’ll still want to make sure that you go with the right collection of phones from them, and this one is undoubtedly the best for seniors in my opinion.
There are a few things that make it particularly suitable for seniors, even though it’s designed to be used by anyone.
Firstly, it’s compatible with T Coil, which is essentially the small piece of wire inside a hearing aid. It basically works like an antennae, and for it to work properly, you need to have a phone that’s compatible with this.
Most AT&T models aren’t T Coil compatible, but luckily this one is, so if you have a T Coil hearing aid then this is definitely a good choice for you.
Secondly, this phone is extremely easy to navigate, which is essential for seniors. The last thing that you need is a phone that is difficult to use, with menus that are confusing and don’t make sense.
That isn’t the case with these, as although they’re not particularly basic menus, they’re very easy to move through and understand. You still have a lot of options, but packaged in a simple and easy to comprehend style.
Finally, the design of the phone itself makes it easy to use for seniors. It has everything that you could really want – loud enough volume and ringer, a simple answerphone and a good caller ID system which is clearly visible.
So, if you want to get a cordless phone set for seniors that has interference free communication, this would be the best choice in my opinion.
Clarity D712 – Best Single Cordless Phone
- Dect 6. 0 interference-free technology
- Clearly Amplifies incoming sound up to 30dB
- 30% more Battery life
If you’re just looking for a single phone, then you might want to look at some of the phones Clarity offer.
They specialise in phones for the elderly, and they make sense if you want something designed with seniors in mind. Not everyone needs a full set of 3 phones, especially if they’re living in a bungalow or in an apartment.
If you want buttons that are definitely big enough for a senior to use, then you might want to consider this option. It has the biggest buttons of any cordless phone around, which makes it much easier for seniors to use.
Plus, the design of the phone is perfect for those hard of sight – the bright white phone itself contrasts well with the black buttons, which make it really easy to see what you are doing.
There’s also a deliberate lack of numbers on the handset itself, which make it very basic and easy to use. It isn’t too overcomplicated like some other cordless phones can be, which is another benefit of the Clarity brand in general.
The volume on this phone is also easily adjustable, which means if you need it super loud for those hard of hearing, that isn’t a problem (though it can get really loud, so test it first).
Overall, this is a solid single phone for those looking for something specially designed with seniors in mind. I
t would make a great choice for anyone living alone that wants a simple to use cordless phone, and the noise reduction technology makes it sound very clear.
VTech CS6719-2 – Cheap Dual Set
- Confirm proper installation of the telephone base and charger power adapters, and handset battery. You should only use the VTech power adapters provided with your telephone. Make sure the power adapters are connected to working electrical outlets that are not controlled by a wall switch. Ensure the telephone cord is securely installed at the base and the wall jack. Or try another telephone cord.
If you want a cheap two set of cordless phones for the household, then it might be worth checking out this set from V Tech. They’re ideal for anyone looking for something cheap and cheerful, and they’ll definitely do a good job.
They have pretty much everything that you could need from a cordless phone set, including caller ID and a basic answerphone. The good thing about this phone set is that the ringer is extremely loud, which makes them an ideal choice for anyone with hard hearing.
They’re not anything amazing – they’re really a basic set of cellphones that have a simple to use design. But, this is exactly what most people want from a
One thing that you might not like about this set is that the buttons aren’t particularly big. And whilst they’re really easy to see with the backlight, they aren’t the easiest to press.
So, if you’re looking for something with bug buttons, this might not be the best choice available – though it has a lot of handy features that may make it perfectly suited to your needs.
Panasonic KX-TGE233B – Good Alternative
- Long range, excellent clarity, enhanced noise reduction and greater security
- Amplified volume with dedicated volume key
- All-digital answering system.Base Unit Dimensions (W x D x H): 5.35 x 3.46 x 3.14 inches;Handset dimensions (W x D x H) approximately 2.1 x 1.2 x 6.7 inches , charger dimensions (W x D x H) approximately 2.8 x 2.8 x 1.5 inches
If you want another solid alternative to the AT&T 3 pack of cordless phones, then this set form panasonic would likely make a decent choice.
They’re good specifically for those hard of hearing, primarily because they have a dedicated volume key which makes it really easy to increase or decrease the sound to whatever is suitable for you.
You can have the sound at quite a high volume, which makes it a good option for those that can’t hear too well.
For those that are hard of sight, then also have an audio caller ID which you can switch on and off.
This allows someone to hear who’s calling without necessarily having to look at the phone itself, which is a must for those with poor vision.
If you’re looking for a set of simple cordless phones to use in the house, then this set would make a decent enough choice. The buttons are big, the screen is easy to read and it’s extremely easy to hear using this Panasonic set.
AT&T CRL81212 – Another good AT&T option
- DECT 6.0 digital technology
- Extra-large LCD display
- Extra-large buttons with backlit keys make the keypad easy to use
If you’re thinking about getting an AT&T set of phones, then you’re probably on the right track. In terms of performance, they’re some of the best options around if you’re looking for a decent value set of cordless phones.
This set has pretty much all you need too, so much of your decision will come down to personal preference above all else.
One of the main reasons that you might want to use this set is that they’re particularly good for those that need big buttons, though the navigation of the phones themselves is a little difficult.
They’re a decent value, but you’re likely better off spending off a little more if you really want a decent set of cordless phones.
It’s an important purchase, as you want something that seniors can use comfortably.
What look look for in a Cordless Phone
A cordless phone is completely different to a cell phone, and the things that are an advantage to a cell phone won’t necessarily make your cordless phone any better.
If you’re wondering exactly what it is you need in a cordless phone that makes it suitable for seniors, then here’s a few features you’ll want to take into account.
Big Buttons
Of course, the main difference you’re going to see in a phone made for seniors specifically is that they have big buttons. This is not only so that those hard of sight can see the buttons better, but it’s also helpful for those with arthritis.
Having reduced dexterity in your hands is a common problem for all seniors, so it makes to ensure that the buttons are big enough for them to push without hurting their fingers.
Volume
It’s important to get a phone with increased volume so that seniors can hear the phone ringing. Not only is it important to get a phone that you can hear ringing, but it’s also important to have a phone that’s capable of having increase call volume too.
The last thing you want to be doing is shouting down the phone to each other (I say this from experience!), so it’s important to get a phone with increase volume.
Answerphone
Consider getting a phone that has an answerphone integrated into it so that you can leave them messages.
Some phones will also allow you to record your own greeting message, which allows them to let people know who they are calling.
Having a digital answering system can make your whole life that little bit easier, as you won’t need to worry about having to pick up unwanted calls (you can let the answerphone get them!).
So, getting a phone that’s capable of taking answerphone messages is also important.
Price
As you might expect, it’s always worth checking out the price of whatever cordless phone set you’re interested in.
Single phones tend to cost more on their own than if you buy them in a multi-set, so keep this in mind – it might be better to get a full set of phones for the whole household.
Additional handsets can also be a good idea if you have a two storey home, as it can save you from walking upstairs or downstairs to get to a call.
Talking Caller ID
If you can, get a phone that comes up with your ID when you’re calling. A lot of seniors don’t want to answer the phone to just anyone, so getting a set of phones that shows your caller ID is a good idea.
Of course, you can set this up with speed dial too so they can get in touch with you quickly and easily.
Talking caller ID is something that most cordless phones will have (and a corded phone will likely have it too).
This means that if you can’t take incoming calls, you can at least know who called and how to get back to them when you need to.
You will ideally have a cordless phone with caller ID announce too, which will not only allow you to see the caller on the LCD screen, but it will tell you the name of the person that’s calling too.
Conclusion
Overall, these are just a few of the options that are currently available if you’re looking for a phone for seniors.
Ensuring that they’re cordless, as well as some of the other things I’ve mentioned, can make things a lot easier if they’re currently having issues answering your calls.
Though there isn’t a great deal of difference between a lot of these phones, ensuring you get the right one for you is still important – many cordless phones can be low quality.
So, take some time and do some research to get the best cordless phone possible.
Last update on 2023-05-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
I just want a cordless phone that amplifies for hard of hearing senior to hear conversation.
No other options needed. They will not be calling out. No answering system.
Trip of the line needed
Needs: super loud and clear – phone, ringer, and answering machine.
Large, simple buttons.
Very simple and basic digital answering machine, playback and erase.
Multiple handsets for different rooms.
It seems to be very hard to get all of this in one package. Why?
My mom is 95, deaf, and can’t see things like numbers well, otherwise in wonderful physical and mental condition.
We got her the Clarity phones. Phones themselves were so-so, while they worked.
Ringer volume not really that loud even turned up all the way, answering machine not loud enough not very clear.
I’m willing to pay for something that covers all the bases. It needs to be easy to use. There’s a market, and it will only be getting bigger.