| For most of us the decision to buy a telephone is | | | | provide the amplification levels needed. In such cases a |
| straightforward. We look at its design, its features, its | | | | telephone which has an extra loud ringer, preferably |
| price all of which without giving it too much | | | | adjustable ringer is recommended. |
| consideration. However, for some people the decision | | | | 3. Big buttons - Visual impairment is also part of getting |
| is not straightforward and together with the normal | | | | older. While the use of eyeglasses and contact lenses |
| considerations other facts need to be taken into | | | | might improve vision, a big button telephone is |
| account to make sure the phone is suitable. | | | | recommended. This type of telephone is also useful |
| Tips for choosing a telephone for the elderly: | | | | for people who have limited or restricted mobility in |
| 1. Simplicity - While there are many elderly people who | | | | their hands or fingers. |
| are gizmo-enthusiast and are comfortable with feature | | | | 4. Induction neck loop compatibility - These are a type |
| rich telephones, for most elderly people simplicity and | | | | of headsets for hearing aid users. If the person is |
| ease of operating the telephone is important. The | | | | wearing a hearing aid on a daily basis, an induction |
| telephone needs to have basic functionality no more | | | | neck loop compatible telephone should be considered. |
| no less. | | | | Phones for the elderly are available as corded and |
| 2. Extra loud ring volume - Age related mild hearing | | | | cordless. When you do your research make sure the |
| loss is common in people over their 50s. For the hard | | | | device you are getting has features which are |
| of hearing a normal standard ring volume will not | | | | specifically made for the elderly. |