The best home phone for seniors: what to look for

The right home phone can help an older parent stay in touch, call for help, and avoid scam calls. Here is what matters most.

Features that matter

Big buttons that are easy to see and press. See big button phones on Amazon.

Call blocking. Stops most robocalls and scam calls before they ring.

Loud, adjustable ringer and volume. Look for amplified phones if hearing is a concern. Many are hearing-aid compatible. See amplified phones on Amazon.

Corded or cordless? A corded phone keeps working if the power goes out on a copper line. A cordless phone is easier to carry but needs power.

Photo speed dial. Put a family member's photo on a button so one press calls them.

Large, backlit display that shows who is calling.

Will it work if the landline is shut off?

Yes, as long as the house still has phone service of some kind. A regular house phone plugs into the phone company's replacement box (like AT&T Phone - Advanced), a cellular home phone base, or a cell phone to landline adapter.

Tips for families

Program important numbers before you hand it over: family, doctor, pharmacy.

Set up call blocking on day one. Scam calls target older adults.

If your parent uses a medical alert, test it the same day you change anything about the phone line.

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