Selecting the Right Phone and Communication Setup for You or an Older Parent

You probably don’t think of your phone as a safety tool. But it is. It’s how you reach doctors, refill prescriptions, check in with family, and get help fast if something goes wrong.

Today, about 78 percent of U.S. adults age 65 and older own a smartphone, according to the Pew Research Center. That means there is no longer a single “senior phone” solution. The right choice for you or a senior loved one depends on how you live, what frustrates you, and how much technology you actually want in your day.

The goal is simple: clear calls, fewer scams, and easy access to the people who matter most, without turning every week into a tech support session.

Start With Daily Needs, Not Phone Specs

Before looking at phones or plans, start with real life.

Ask three basic questions:

• Who do you call most often?
• Where do you use your phone during the day?
• What annoys you about your current phone?

If you mainly call family members, doctors, and pharmacies, clear audio and simple contacts matter more than features. There are straightforward, senior-friendly options, such as Jitterbug phones.

If you move between home, errands, and appointments, battery life and reliable coverage should be your top priorities.

Now, if passwords trip you up, choose an unlock option that feels natural, such as a PIN, fingerprint, or face recognition.

Also, write down any must-haves:

• Hearing aids
• Vision challenges
• Limited hand strength or tremor
• Memory or cognitive changes

Those details matter far more than camera quality or screen resolution.

Choose the Right Type of Phone

Most older adults fall into one of three categories. There’s no “better” option, only the right fit.

Classic Keypad Phones (Flip or Bar Style)

Best if you want:

• Calls only
• Big physical buttons
• A simple screen with no clutter

These phones reduce accidental taps and confusion. They are ideal for people who never enjoyed smartphones and do not want to start now.

Simple Smartphones

Best if you want:

• Calls plus photos, texting, and video chats
• A clean interface
• Loud speakers and large text

Some seniors prefer purpose-built phones such as Jitterbug, which focus on simplicity rather than customization.

Standard Smartphones with Accessibility Features

Best if:

• You already use an iPhone or Android
• Family members can help with setup
• You want flexibility over time

Modern smartphones can be made much simpler by increasing text size, removing unused apps, and limiting the home screen to one page.

If you've never used email, don’t add it just because your phone supports it.

Everyday Apps Older Adults Use—and Why They Matter

The most useful apps are not social media or entertainment. They are practical tools that make health care, errands, and daily life easier and more manageable. For many people, including seniors, they apps are “must have” and often require a smartphone can has app capability.

Common examples include:

• Medical portal apps such as MyChart, which let you view test results, message your care team, request prescription refills, and manage appointments in one place. These apps can reduce phone calls and help you stay more engaged in your care.
• Pharmacy apps that track prescriptions, send refill reminders, and arrange home delivery.
• Grocery delivery apps from local stores and national chains, allowing you to order food and household items without driving or carrying heavy bags.
• Transportation apps that support rides to medical appointments or errands when driving becomes difficult.
• Calendar and reminder apps that help manage medications, appointments, and daily tasks.

These apps can support independence and aging in place. At the same time, it is important to review privacy settings, saved payment information, and notification alerts regularly, especially if health, vision, or memory changes over time. Simple, well-managed apps can reduce stress and improve safety, but they work best when set up thoughtfully and reviewed often.

Make the Screen and Audio Work Every Time

Small adjustments can dramatically improve daily use.

For vision

• Increase text size and enable bold text
• Raise screen contrast
• Keep one uncluttered home screen with large icons
• Add a flashlight shortcut for night walks or reading labels

For hearing

• Test call volume in a noisy room, not just at the kitchen table
• Check hearing-aid compatibility ratings

• The FCC considers phones compatible when they meet at least M3 (acoustic coupling) and T3 (telecoil coupling)

For hands

• Use a grippy case
• Avoid tiny side buttons
• Choose a screen protector that does not reduce touch sensitivity
• Use fewer apps with larger icons if tremor causes mis-taps

Build a “No-Panic” Calling and Messaging Setup

A good phone setup reduces decision-making when stress hits.

Start with these basics:

• Create favorites: List five to 10 key contacts, including family, neighbors, doctors, and pharmacies
• Add photos to contacts: Faces are easier to recognize than names
• Set up voicemail clearly: Record a short greeting and write the PIN on a card stored in a safe place
• Choose one messaging method: Texting works best when everyone uses the same app
• Enable caller ID announcements: Hearing “Call from Anna” helps when reading the screen is slow

Set a simple family rule: If it’s urgent, call twice in a row. That avoids missed emergencies and reduces pressure to answer unknown numbers.

Add Safety Features Without Making the Phone Feel Invasive

Safety tools work best when they stay in the background.

Start small:

• Emergency contacts and SOS: Add contacts and practice one simple action to trigger help
• Location sharing: Use it only with consent and for safety, not monitoring
• Silence unknown callers: Most scams rely on live conversation. Let unknown numbers go to voicemail

Also, be sure to add your medical information to the phone’s emergency access feature:

• Allergies
• Medications
• Chronic conditions

First responders can see this information even if the phone is locked.

• 8 iPhone Emergency Features Every Senior Should Know

Choose a Phone Plan That Matches How You Actually Use It

Many older adults overpay for data they rarely use, yet still run into limits when they need help.

Match the plan to real habits:

• Mostly at home: Smaller data plans work when Wi-Fi handles updates and video calls
• Frequently out: More data and strong regional coverage matter
• Talk-first users: Reliable voice service and customer support should come first

Before committing, test coverage where it counts:

• Inside the home
• Near windows
• In the yard or parking area

Coverage maps do not always reflect real-world performance.

Set the Phone Up So It Actually Sticks

A phone that looks perfect on day one can fail by day five if setup is rushed.

Use a simple routine:

• Set up the phone together
• Keep the home screen minimal
• Write a small paper cheat sheet with: How to answer a call, how to call favorites, how to charge the phone, and what to do if it freezes.

• Practice only three actions: Answer a call, call a favorite, and read a text.

Schedule two short check-ins: one after two days and another after one week.

Standardize chargers. Place one in the main living area and one by the bed, and label them.

Why This Matters as You Age

Your phone becomes more important over time, not less. It supports your independence, reduces isolation, and connects you to care when health needs change.

Just as you plan for retirement income and future long-term care, planning how you communicate is part of aging well. A thoughtful setup today can reduce stress, prevent scams, and make it easier for family to help when you need it.

Cell Phones and Devices in Long-Term Care: What Families Should Watch Closely

When a loved one moves into assisted living, memory care, or a nursing home, a cell phone or tablet often becomes their main link to you and the outside world. Used well, devices support connection, independence, and safety. Used poorly, they can create real risks.

You should not assume that a facility will manage or monitor personal devices for their residents. In most cases, responsibility falls on the resident and family.

Privacy and Exploitation Risks

Smartphones make older adults more vulnerable to scams, financial exploitation, and privacy breaches—especially those with cognitive decline.

Watch for:

• Unknown contacts calling or texting frequently
• Requests for gift cards, wire transfers, or urgent payments
• New apps or subscriptions your loved one doesn’t recognize
• Social media messages from strangers posing as friends or helpers

Many residents in memory care or skilled nursing do not fully understand privacy settings, phishing attempts, or fraudulent calls. Facilities are typically not liable for losses arising from personal device use.

Cognitive and Emotional Concerns

Devices can confuse or distress residents with dementia or mild cognitive impairment.

Common issues include:

• Repeated calls due to short-term memory loss
• Anxiety triggered by news alerts or social media
• Misinterpretation of messages or missed calls
• Frustration when devices update or change settings

In some cases, limiting notifications, simplifying screens, or switching to senior-friendly phones can significantly reduce stress.

Safety and Supervision Limitations

Phones can create a false sense of security.

Important points to understand:

• Facilities do not monitor calls, texts, or location apps
• Medical alerts on phones are not substitutes for call-light systems
• Dead batteries or forgotten devices are common
• Residents may be unable to use devices during an emergency

If safety is a concern, standalone medical alert systems or wearable devices often work better than smartphones alone.

Internet Access and Network Security

Facility Wi-Fi is often shared, unsecured, or inconsistent.

Families should:

• Avoid storing sensitive financial or medical data on devices
• Use strong passwords and auto-lock settings
• Disable saved payment information when possible
• Confirm whether the facility offers secure networks or requires personal data plans

Staff Boundaries and Communication Expectations

Cell phones should not replace proper care communication.

Be clear that:

• Staff are not required to answer resident calls or texts on personal devices
• Care issues should go through formal channels, not casual messaging
• Video calls may be restricted during care routines or quiet hours

Setting expectations early helps prevent misunderstandings.

How Families Can Reduce Risk 

Simple steps make a big difference:

• Set up contact lists and block unknown numbers
• Turn off app downloads without approval
• Use screen-locking and simplified interfaces
• Review call and message logs regularly
• Reassess device use as health or cognition changes

Technology can enhance the quality of life in long-term care, but only when families stay involved. The goal is connection and safety—not confusion, exposure, or added stress.

When researching long-term care facilities, be sure to ask them about their policies on electronic devices. Use the LTC News Caregiver Directory to narrow down options from the over 80,000 that are searchable by zip code.

If a loved one has an LTC policy, be sure to inform the admissions director. If you need help filing a claim, LTC News can help. LTC News partners with Amada Senior Care to offer free Long-Term Care Insurance claim support, with no cost or obligation.

Their trained specialists can guide you through the process and help ensure benefits are accessed accurately and on time — File a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim.