The right phone can help your parent feel independent, safe and connected. For many older adults, a phone needs to feel simple and familiar. Some prefer physical buttons and a traditional layout, while others enjoy touchscreen features if the design is intuitive. The following phones balance simplicity with function, supporting independent communication.
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If you’ve found a product that’s made a real difference to your parent, we’d love to hear about it. Please get in touch at hello@carents.co.uk and help us share with others in the Carents community.
1. Doro 6880 Mobile Phone – Simple Mobile with Emergency Functions
The Doro 6880 is a stripped-back mobile phone made for those who want voice calling, loud volume and safety features—without the complexity of touchscreen, apps or internet use.
Pros:
✔️ Large physical buttons – Easy to press and clearly labelled
✔️ Emergency SOS button – Sends GPS location and calls chosen contacts
✔️ Loud and clear sound – Hearing aid compatible
✔️ Waterproof and durable
Cons:
❌ No internet
❌ Not suitable for those wanting apps
🏆 Best for: Older adults who want a very simple mobile phone with strong safety features and no distractions
2. BT Big Button 200 Corded Phone – Classic Landline for Home Use
This BT corded landline is ideal for those who prefer a traditional phone setup. With extra-large buttons and adjustable volume, it’s simple and familiar.
Pros:
✔️ Big buttons – Easy to dial
✔️ Amplified sound – Clearer calls for those with hearing loss
✔️ Visual ring indicator – Helps if hearing is limited
✔️ No batteries required – Works even during power cuts
Cons:
❌ No memory dialling
❌ Corded – Must be used in one location
🏆 Best for: Elderly parents who prefer the comfort of a desk phone with straightforward controls
3. Single Cordless Big Button Phone
This cordless phone features large, well-spaced buttons and a loud ringtone, combining the freedom to move around the house with classic usability.
Pros:
✔️ Cordless – Move freely while chatting
✔️ Big buttons and backlit display
✔️ Hands-free speakerphone
✔️ Hearing aid compatible
Cons:
❌ Needs regular charging
❌ Fewer features than other cordless models
🏆 Best for: Those who want to move about during calls but still value an easy-to-read, button-based phone
4. Easology Samsung Smartphone – Full Touchscreen Made Easy
Built on Samsung’s trusted platform, the Easology smartphone is customised for simplicity—with large icons, structured menus and a clear home screen that shows key contacts, weather and apps at a glance.
Pros:
✔️ Large 6.7” display – Bright, clear and comfortable for reading
✔️ Simplified interface – Designed for older users
✔️ Custom home screen – Add favourite contacts for quick dialling
✔️ Includes tutorial videos and support
✔️ Comes with protective case and EE SIM card
✔️ Includes magnifier tool and intuitive messaging
Cons:
❌ Requires basic confidence with touchscreens
❌ Pricier than basic phones
🏆 Best for: Elderly parents open to a smartphone who want a tailored, accessible layout and ongoing support
Which Phone is Right for Your Parent?
|
Product |
Best For |
|
Doro 6880 |
Voice-only safety-focused mobile with emergency alert |
|
BT Big Button Corded |
Classic landline experience with no charging required |
|
Single Cordless Phone |
Easy-to-use wireless phone with loud sound |
|
Easology Smartphone |
Full touchscreen smartphone with senior-friendly layout |
A phone can be a lifeline—for both daily connection and reassurance in emergencies. Choosing one that feels intuitive to your parent is just as important as the features it offers. Whether it’s a physical keypad or a large touchscreen, there’s an option that can fit right into their routine.
If you’ve found a phone that really worked for your elderly parent, we’d love to hear about it. Drop us a line at hello@carents.co.uk—your insight could help another carer make a confident choice.
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This article may contain affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase via these links, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We may also receive compensation from partners for featuring their products, which supports the continued running of Carents.co.uk and our services at no cost to users. We only suggest products we genuinely believe may help. Carents accepts no responsibility for the quality, safety, or suitability of any third-party products. If you choose to make a purchase you do so at your own risk.Got a product to recommend? Email us at hello@carents.co.uk.