What iPhones are best for seniors with Dementia?

Hi - does Apple have a phone that has limited features...similar to the Jitterbug that would be good for my aging father (83 years old)? He is in the early stages of dementia and I'm trying to either lock down his phone where he can't mess it up or answer a scam call / text. I live in a different state so it gets complicated when he messes his phone up.


Thank you for any tips / guidance!

Amy


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Posted on Mar 28, 2025 1:31 PM

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Mar 28, 2025 1:38 PM in response to Amyb1018

Smartphones are a poor choice for dementia patients in my experience. We tried it with my Mother-In-Law and the buttons are too confusing, requires too high a degree of fine motor skills and easily frustrated her.


I would do some shopping at retailers and carriers for a simple flip phone with big buttons. They may have suggestions or guidance too.



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Mar 28, 2025 1:47 PM in response to Amyb1018

I'll add that touch screens themselves can be detrimental to a senior's skills. My mother-in-law made it to 98 with fully mental faculties, but reduced dexterity in her hands often caused her to drag an extra finger on the display, with odd effects. She experienced this on an iPad as well but had the mental ability to mostly overcome it.


I agree with Jeff—something with big, discrete old-school push-buttons may work far better.


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What iPhones are best for seniors with Dementia?

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