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What Is the Best Cell Phone for Seniors With Dementia?

Date Updated: July 28, 2025

Written by:

Rachel Lustbader

Rachel Lustbader is a writer and editor with a background in healthcare and technology. Her work has been published on websites including HealthCare.com, BiteSizeBio.com, BetterHelp.com, Caring.com, and PayingforSeniorCare.com. She studied health science and public health at Boston University.

Both of Rachel’s grandmothers had very positive experiences in senior living communities, and Rachel saw firsthand the impact that kind, committed caregivers and community managers can have on seniors’ and their family members’ lives. With her work at Caring, Rachel hopes to help other families find communities, caregivers, and at-home products that benefit elderly loved ones and make life less stressful for family caregivers

The best cell phone for seniors with dementia is the Jitterbug Flip2, which features a simple design and large keypad buttons. Dementia may make it difficult for seniors to remember how to use complicated smartphones. However, the easy-to-use Jitterbug Flip2 from Lively includes an integrated medical alert system, the Lively Link app for caregivers and GPS tracking to find loved ones who may have wandered. The Flip2 offers enhanced audio, hearing aid connectivity and pre-installed games geared for mind-stimulating play. The phone is affordable at $99.99 and comes ready to use with a monthly service plan from Lively.

The Jitterbug Smart3 is also part of the Lively selection of medical alert cell phones but includes the functionality found in a smartphone, and the Link II with Consumer Cellular comes with senior-relevant features.

Why the Jitterbug Flip2 Is Our Top Pick for the Best Cell Phone for Seniors with Dementia

This compact flip phone is more durable than most smartphones, often made of glass, and provides caregivers GPS tracking without the phone needing an internet connection. Lively’s medical alert phone operators answer calls 24/7, providing assistance such as dispatching urgent medical assistance, helping to find a location and notifying family members of their loved one’s situation.

We also measured the benefits of our top pick compared to other cell phones for seniors with dementia, and here’s what we found:

Price

Built-in Medical Alert?

GPS Location?

Jitterbug Flip2

$99.99

Yes

Yes

Jitterbug Smart3

$149.99

Yes

Yes

Link II from Consumer Cellular

$59.00

No

Yes

For more information about this product, please read our full product review of the Jitterbug Flip2.

Other Cell Phones to Considerfor Seniors with Dementia 

As mentioned, the Jitterbug Smart3 includes many essential features for seniors with dementia, but as a smartphone, it may be too complicated for some users. Still, seniors who are comfortable with technology may appreciate the advanced features.

The Jitterbug Smart3 is a full-featured cell phone for seniors who want more options

Although the Jitterbug Flip2 includes the essential services and options for seniors, including those with dementia, the Smart3 adds smartphone technology and capabilities. The home screen can be customized to only include shortcuts for necessary applications, and users have access to a vast selection of apps from the app store. The Smart3 includes an emergency response button on the bottom of the screen, and all shortcuts are aligned in rows as easy-to-navigate tiles.

To learn more, please read our full product review of the Jitterbug Smart3.

The Link II from Consumer Cellular offers senior-relevant features at a lower cost

While Lively’s Jitterbug Flip2 is our top pick, the monthly service plan is more expensive than Consumer Cellular’s monthly text, talk and data plan. The Link II offers senior-relevant features such as a programmable button allowing the user to speed-dial emergency contacts, enhanced audio and hearing aid compatibility, large keypad buttons and monthly discounts for AARP members.

To learn more, please read our full product review of the Link II from Consumer Cellular.

Learn More About Cell Phones for Seniors

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Caring.com

Caring.com is a leading online destination for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones. We offer thousands of original articles, helpful tools, advice from more than 50 leading experts, a community of caregivers, and a comprehensive directory of caregiving services.

 

The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. By using our website, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

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