This article covers landline handsets available to purchase in the UK.
For our recommended top 6 mobile phones to purchase in the UK click here.
For older adults, a reliable landline phone can be a lifeline to the outside world. Whether it’s staying connected with family, making appointments, or calling for help in an emergency, having a phone that’s easy to use and tailored to specific needs is essential. Many of the landline phones available today come with features designed specifically for seniors, such as large buttons, amplified sound, and easy-to-read displays.
If you are currently using or are considering using the CareCalls service (and use a landline) then the phones listed below will all increase the effectiveness of the service, when compared to a standard landline phone.
In this article, we’ll review five of the best landline phones for older adults, highlighting the pros and cons of each model to help you make an informed decision.
1. Doro PhoneEasy 100W Amplified Cordless Phone
Pros:
- Amplified Sound: The Doro PhoneEasy 100W offers up to 30dB of amplification, making it a great option for those with hearing difficulties.
- Large Buttons and Display: The phone features oversized buttons and a clear, easy-to-read display, which is ideal for seniors with visual impairments.
- Easy to Use: The straightforward menu and simple functionality ensure that users won’t struggle to operate the phone.
- Handset Speakerphone: A speakerphone function allows for hands-free calls, which is convenient for users with limited dexterity or mobility.
- Hearing Aid Compatible: It’s compatible with hearing aids, ensuring clear audio for users who rely on them.
Cons:
- No Caller ID: The phone does not display caller information, which can be a downside for those who prefer to know who’s calling before answering.
- Basic Features: While simple and functional, it lacks more advanced features like voicemail or call-blocking, which might be important for some seniors.
Where to Buy:
Doro PhoneEasy 100W on Amazon UK
2. Doro Magna 4000 Extra Loud Phone
Pros:
- Extra-Loud Ringer and Handset Volume: The Doro Magna 4000 is designed specifically for those with hearing impairments, offering an extra-loud ringer (up to 90dB) and a handset volume that can be amplified up to 60dB.
- Large Buttons and Screen: The phone comes with large, easy-to-press buttons and a big, clear display, making it user-friendly for seniors with poor vision.
- Simple Functionality: It offers basic features like speed dial, a memory dial for quick access to important contacts, and an emergency button to dial a preset number in case of need.
- Visual Ringer Indicator: The phone has a visual ringer indicator, which flashes when a call is coming in, helping those who are hard of hearing.
Cons:
- No Answering Machine: It lacks an integrated answering machine, so users will need to rely on voicemail through their phone provider if they need one.
- Limited Features: It is a basic landline phone with limited additional features, which could be a drawback for seniors who prefer more modern features.
Where to Buy:
3. Geemarc CL1100 Amplified Phone
Pros:
- Loud Ringer and Volume: The Geemarc CL1100 has an amplified ringer with adjustable volume (up to 90dB), which is perfect for seniors with hearing impairments. The handset volume can also be increased for better clarity.
- Large, Easy-to-Read Display: The phone comes with a large, high-contrast screen, making it easy for seniors with poor vision to read incoming calls and navigate the menu.
- Emergency Button: The phone includes an SOS button, which can be programmed to call emergency contacts or 999 in case of an urgent need.
- Picture Buttons for Easy Dialing: The phone features memory buttons with pictures, allowing seniors to quickly dial family members or emergency contacts with a single press.
- Easy Setup: It’s simple to install and requires minimal technical knowledge to set up, which is great for those who aren’t tech-savvy.
Cons:
- No Caller ID: Like the Doro PhoneEasy, the CL1100 doesn’t offer a caller ID feature, which could be a downside for some users.
- Limited Extra Features: It lacks features like voicemail or call blocking, so it may not be the best option for those who want a more comprehensive phone.
Where to Buy:
4. Alcatel TMAX 10
Pros:
- Very Loud Ringer and Handset Volume: The Alcatel TMAX 10 has an extremely loud ringer, which is ideal for seniors with hearing loss. It can reach up to 90dB, making it one of the loudest options available.
- Large, Backlit Buttons: The phone has big, backlit buttons that make it easy to see and use, even in low light.
- Simple Functionality: With its large buttons and minimalistic design, the TMAX 10 is very easy to operate, making it a great choice for seniors who just need a basic phone for making and receiving calls.
- Emergency Button: It includes an SOS button, which can be programmed to call emergency numbers in case of an emergency.
- Affordable: It is generally priced lower than some of the more feature-rich phones, making it an affordable option for those on a budget.
Cons:
- No Caller ID or Voicemail: Lacks features like caller ID and voicemail, which may be important for some seniors.
- No Display Screen: Unlike many other models, the TMAX 10 does not have a screen to display caller information or menu options, which may make it less convenient for some users.
Where to Buy:
5. Geemarc PhotoPhone 100
Pros:
- Picture Buttons: The Geemarc PhotoPhone 100 is designed with large picture buttons, making it incredibly easy for seniors to call family members and close contacts with the press of a button. Simply attach photos to the corresponding speed dial buttons.
- Amplified Sound: The phone features an adjustable volume that can be increased for better hearing, making it a good choice for those with hearing loss.
- Visual Ringer Indicator: The visual ringer indicator flashes when there’s an incoming call, which can be helpful for those with hearing impairments.
- Emergency Button: The phone also includes a button for emergency calls, which can be pre-programmed with important contacts.
- Easy Setup: Like other phones on this list, it’s very easy to install and use, with minimal setup required.
Cons:
- Limited Functionality: The PhotoPhone 100 is a very basic landline phone, with few additional features beyond the picture buttons and amplified sound. Seniors looking for a more feature-rich phone may find it lacking.
- No Caller ID: It does not offer caller ID, which could be a drawback for some users.
Where to Buy:
Geemarc PhotoPhone 100 on Amazon UK
Conclusion
When choosing a landline phone for an older person, the most important factors to consider are sound amplification, ease of use, and helpful features like large buttons, emergency buttons, and visual indicators. The phones listed above all offer these features, but the right choice will depend on the specific needs of the individual. Whether it’s amplified sound for those with hearing loss, picture buttons for quick dialing, or simply an easy-to-read display, there’s a model for everyone.
