VERY basic mobile phone

[ChristingleAlltheWay]

Can anyone recommend a basic mobile for my elderly mother? She had never had any interest in using technology - got a VCR when she was 50 and she never figured which way to put a tape into it, had a basic Nokia at 60 that she likewise never figured out. She was in hospital for a week and a mobile would have been SO useful so I want to buy her one.

I like the very basic Doro one but the reviews aren't great. Any other ideas?

I was going to suggest Dora but I see you've ruled that out already. They have different models though and maybe an older one might be more suitable.

Something like this maybe? www.amazon.co.uk/Artfone-Elderly-Unlocked-Emergency-1400mAh/dp/B07QXVG5TL/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&crid=IWXX4AD4I5MN&keywords=simple+mobile+phone+for+elderly&sprefix=simple+mobile+phone+for+%2Caps%2C166&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&qid=1609335060&sr=8-3

Does she want a mobile phone? If she doesn’t, then it wouldn’t matter what you got, she'd find a way of making it not work or not having it with her when she needed it.

If she does, then what was she struggling with with previous phones e.g., reading the screen, pressing the buttons, scrolling through menus, ending a call?

If she does want a phone, then you need to agree with her what it is for:

• for you to be able to contact her the next time is is in hospital
• for her to contact you in hospital
• for her to call you next time she is feeling unwell enough to need to go to hospital
• for generally keeping in contact with her

Once you know what you both want the phone to do, then you can decide what type of phone - or other technology - is most appropriate, e.g. it may be easier for her to have a Smart phone + Alexa combination to be able to tell it to “Ring Christingle”, rather than needing to press numbers or open the contact book, or a wearable alarm if it’s for emergencies.

It doesn’t sound like she’ll use it tbh. I’d save your money.

Argos do some super basic phones most of which you can adjust the font. My dad actually learned to text in hospital in his 70s so he could be in contact with any of us.
Ultimately, if your mum is agreeable to a phone it needs to be something she can answer. A flip top is a good option for this, no buttons to be pressing. A low level of dexterity is required (mindful of the fact she might have arthritic finger joints).
I have helped patients dial or find numbers many times so if she is in again anyone will be happy to help her ring home if she needs to.

Shame you say no to the basic Nokia, I am a total Techno Bimbo and even I managed to work it (with the help of a 13 year old who showed me how to turn it on and off again!!! Sadly it is no more and my Brother gave me one of those you swipe across. I much prefer my Nokia!)

Perhaps worth looking at these anywherecare.co.uk/ownfone It only dials preset numbers, accessed by clearly labelled buttons.

my mum has a basic flip doro phone and its fine shes not had a problem with it