What kind of cell phone and phone plan should I get for my 84 year old mother? She will use it very little, but needs it in case of emergencies and to make occassional connections. Mom won't be texting and does not have any use for a smart phone. She needs a simple phone with large buttons and one that is easy to read. What is the most economical phone plan for this kind of use? We could add her to our plan for $10/month, but we have a 5 phone max and already have 4 phones and will need that 5th phone for our youngest daughter soon. What about Trac phones, how do they work? What do you recommend?
Thanks for all the replies! I am interested in knowing more about pre-paid and pay-as-you-go phone plans. Can anyone tell me which ones make it simple? I don't want something complicated that would require mom to purchase minutes on the internet or via phone call to India?!
I just bought my Mom (91) the 'jitterbug' phone for Xmas. It's prepaid, $19.99 a month for 200 minutes. It has the large #'s & easy to use for seniors. If you google 'jitterbug' phone, you can buy it online. The phone, first month of the plan & activation fee all came to around $100.00. They do have a plan with less minutes as well. Good option for seniors!
I would find a prepaid option. If she starts using it a lot then you could upgrade. But with a prepaid there will be no contract. plus the phones are inexpensive in case she loses it or something happens to it (my grandfather lost his).
I always think of that commercial for Jitterbug. It is a phone service/phone for seniors. I have no idea how expensive it is but it would be for a phone and service for the age group you're referring to. Hope this helps.
I added my dad to my plan which maxed out our phones. Still I won't need to add my younger two for a couple more years. At that point I am kicking the older two off the plan because they can pay their own bill.
The beauty of cell phones is kids can't live without them so there is little risk when you kick them off your plan that they won't pay for their service. So I laugh when they say well maybe I won't have a phone. Sure guys and aliens are going to abduct me next week as well. :p
Trac phones are great...my husband has one and it is much cheaper than adding him to my cell phone plan...he pays $100 a year for I think it is 800 minutes and he never uses them all...you can pay much less for fewer minutes but this was the best for us. Works great and great coverage in our area...just as good as Verizon. Hope this helps
AARP advertises a large button simple basic phone.
My friend has a large button simple basic phone thru a regular cell phone service planned for seniors. I suggest you check with your provider about their options. You can compare the options from various companies on the Internet.
Before you buy a phone and pay a plan, ask the companies about phones for senior citizens. I know Verizon and ATT gave the program. It is a gov't sponsoed program with a lower level of minutes per month so senior citizens have access to cell phones, especially for emergencies. My sister got one for my mom with 100 minutes per month. No pay needed. You might be able to google it also.
Isn't there a phone called the jitterbug or something like that... the ad has a bunch of old people in it. It is a very basic phone.. w/ really big number keys.... google it!
Don't buy a plan that has a contract. Just get a pay-as-you-go plan. My husband and I use T-Mobile and just buy a top up card in a store or online when we need more minutes. I spend less than $10/month. Trust me, if it is just for emergencies and the occasional chat, she will NEVER run out of minutes. I talk more than that and I still spend less than $10/month.
