Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Best Mobile Phone For Someone With Parkinson’s

Online Portal Managed By Caregiver

Apps and devices can help people with Parkinson’s

Normally a phones features are managed in device settings or in individual applications. In the case of the RAZ Memory Cell Phone, to maximize simplicity, the phone is managed through an easy-to-use online portal that can be accessed by the caregiver from anywhere in the world.

The portal allows the caregiver to add and edit contacts, including pictures. The caregiver can also use the portal to limit all incoming calls to those from contacts, preventing unwanted predatory calls from people who may take advantage of individuals with memory loss. The portal can further be used to make all calls go automatically to the speaker. Watch a video of the online portal.

The caregiver can also access the signal strength and remaining battery power of the phone. This way, if the caregiver cannot reach the user, she can go into the portal and see if it is because the phone is out of power or there is poor signal strength.

The purpose of the portal is to provide the caregiver with the ability fully to manage the RAZ Memory Cell Phone. The person with memory loss receives a phone that works with maximum simplicity. The user does not have access to settings control is in the hands of the caregiver.

Why Apps For Parkinsons

Most people won a smartphone today. Apps for smartphones can help with tasks such as memory or relax you before you sleep. Of course, no one is saying theyre a panacea, but Parkinsons UK and others recommend apps to help maintain independence.

This blog includes a round-up of some assistive technology and apps, which may support you or a loved one who has Parkinsons.

Where Did All The Voice Phones Go

We regularly get emails from readers who are frustrated because they want simple, high-quality voice phones, and they don’t feel like there are enough options.

They’re right. The hardware demands of 4G LTE voice calling mean inexpensive voice phones are slower and less reliable than they used to be. We tested several recently, and the one we most recommend, the Sunbeam F1, costs $195. Other high-quality voice phones from Sonim and Kyocera tend to be in the $200â300 range. The Nokia 225 4G, a cheaper option, is small and reliable and costs only $49.99, but it only works well on T-Mobile’s network. Voice phones under $100 are generally a thoroughly mediocre experience.

There are a bunch of flip phones kicking around the cell phone aisle at Walgreens and Walmart from carrier brands like Tracfone and Net10. We don’t review them, but some appear to be older, decent-quality LG models. If your budget is tight, try one of those. Avoid phones where the carrier appears to be the phone maker, which are generally rebadged phones from low-rent manufacturers.

Read Also: Does Vitamin B12 Help Parkinson’s

Tablets As A Cellphone Alternative For Seniors

With Wi-Fi calling and text capabilities, small tablets can be used as a cellphone alternative for seniors who arent ready for a smartphone. Because of their size, tablets may not be the best choice for in the car or on the go, but they offer features like video calling, entertainment, and interactive smart assistants like Alexa or Siri.

Top multi-use tablet phones for seniors include:

  • Consumer Cellular Grandpad Affordable and designed with seniors in mind, the device offers games, music streaming, video chat, and cellular calls.
  • Apple iPad Mini Like a smartphone, you can text on the iPad as well as video chat, play games, and write.
  • Amazon Echo Show 15 The Echo integrates Alexa into a seniors home. Its compatible with Zoom as well as Skype and can stream videos, play audiobooks, and act as a control panel for other smart devices, like thermostats and locks, throughout the home.

Data Extraction And Analysis

The 7 Best Cell Phones for Seniors with Dementia

Two review authors and independently extracted the following data: authors, publication year, study design, participant characteristics , mean age of participants, sample size, smartphone outcome measures, and types of smartphone, gait and balance outcome measures, measure of validity, reliability, sensitivity, and specificity, main results, smartphone wear site, intended user and locations of assessment. Different smartphone applications based on accelerometers and gyroscopes were extracted. Any discrepancies between the authors during data extraction were resolved through discussion with a third author .

Don’t Miss: Parkinson’s Double Vision

Communication Aids And Typing Devices For Parkinsons Patients

In some cases, people get improvement in their speech and communication with medications. There are cases as well in which medications have not proved to be effective.

Here, you will see some communication aids and typing devices that can be very helpful if you have Parkinsons disease. These are discussed below, have a look at them:

Apps Designed For Parkinsons

Some apps are designed specifically for people with Parkinsons. The Parkinson mPower study app measures tremors, gait, and balance, while Parkinson Home Exercises offers home exercises and movement advice. Learning to interact with these and similar apps can help you combat symptoms of Parkinsons such as muscle stiffness.

Living in the era of technology has its perks. Information travels more quickly than ever before, allowing for a global exchange of information. Competition is driving technological progress to an all-time high. Parkinsons can be difficult to navigate, but different smartphone functions and apps could simplify your life.

Note: Parkinsons News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Parkinsons News Today or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Parkinsons disease.

Also Check: Weighted Silverware

Use Lined Paper To Write

While suffering from Parkinsons disease, it is difficult to write as the hands have a rhythmic disorder. This is usually known as tremor, which does not allow the patient to write properly. Rigidity is also a symptom of Parkinsons disease in which the muscles get stiffed. They resist any movement.

If you have got thick pens to write and a cuff bracelet on your wrist, these can help write your way out. Make sure that you write on lined papers. Lined papers help a lot to write clear. In this way, you will be able to convey your message. Plus, your confidence will boost when the other person understands what you are trying to say. You can buy lined papers from .

Recent Findings On The Use Of Smartphone Apps For The Management Of Pd

New App Helping Patients With Parkinson’s Disease

Although there are only a few randomized controlled studies on the use of smartphone apps for the management of PD , smartphone apps have a promising potential to enhance home care plans for individuals with PD, especially to improve their medication and rehabilitation training compliance . The meta-analysis shows that smartphone applications have been used in the daily management of many diseases and have achieved good results in medication compliance .

Recent findings indicate that wearable devices connected to smartphone apps can monitor patients’ motion and non-motor symptoms, which is helpful for doctors to have a more comprehensive understanding of the patient’s condition . PD_Manager is a mobile health platform designed to cover most of the content related to PD’s home management . Its mechanism includes the use of a bracelet and an insole sensor that connect to a smartphone to monitor the patient without interference, which helps doctors to have a more comprehensive understanding of the patient’s condition. As Motolese et al. point out, most patients are satisfied with the monitoring program provided by smartphones, but its substantial effect needs further verification.

Recommended Reading: Prayers For Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinsons Uk Teams Up With Our Mobile Health To Create Apps Library

Parkinsons UK has teamed up with Our Mobile Health to create a library of apps and devices to support those living with the condition.

In response to increasing demand for technology, the charity wanted to curate a library which listed safe apps and devices.

Our Mobile Healths role will be to source the apps from developers with Parkinsons UK setting up a user panel which will test and evaluate the new digital tools, and give advice to other users.

Emma Lawton, devices and apps strategist at Parkinsons UK, told Digital Health News that the crux of the library was to help sort out which apps and devices were the best.

There are so many apps out there that people have access to, Lawton said.

What we are doing is vetting apps and devices to ensure people are using the best ones.

The library will contain a variety of apps and devices which help track symptoms and help manage the condition.

Apps which promote self-management make up the majority available to those who have Parkinsons, according to Lawton.

She also added that they can help those suffering with the condition as they keep track of how they are feeling and any symptoms they may be experiencing.

Lawton, who will be help launch the library in January, said as well as helping reviewing apps, she hopes the library will highlight what technology is missing for those living with Parkinsons.

On Our Mobile Healths side, reviewers will look at a range of areas such as patient safety and data security.

Keep Visibility And Hearing In Mind

One of the biggest complaints about cell phones is that the button and screen sizes are too small. Fortunately, the cell phone industry has left the tiny fad phones behind and the advent of smartphones has increasingly led to larger screen sizes. Many seniors have difficulty reading small text. Look for phones with larger screens and the ability to adjust the text size.

Prioritize phones that have sound adjustability with loud speakers that can make it easier to hear. Bright screens can also help improve visibility, and its important to make sure the phone is easy and comfortable to grip.

Also Check: Cleveland Clinic Parkinson’s Bicycle Study 2017

Motorola Moto G Stylus

Features: The Moto G Stylus has a 48-megapixel camera far greater than the 16-megapixel smartphone average to capture sharp family photos and videos. Its also water-resistant and includes features like facial recognition, fingerprint unlock, and high-quality audio when streaming. The phones battery can last up to two days and comes unlocked, meaning you can use it with any service provider or pay in advance for minutes and texts.

Why its good for seniors: This is one of the loudest phones on our list. With sound quality that peaks around 88 decibels, the phone is ideal for seniors with hearing impairment. The screen is 6.4 inches tall and allows for text enlargement. It also comes with a built-in stylus for those who like writing notes or memos by hand.

Cost: The starting price of $299 is fairly low for a smartphone, but what makes the Moto G Stylus ideal for budget-conscious seniors is the option to choose a pay-as-you-go plan, perfect for those who want the Wi-Fi capacities of a smartphone without the commitment of unlimited talk and text that many national providers require.

Moodistory: Monitor Changes In Your Mood

Beats Medical Parkinsons Treatment App screenshot

There are many apps designed to help you track changes in mood. For example, Moodistory for iPhone and Apple Watch has a simple interface. The makers claim you can create a journal entry in under 5-seconds, without writing a single word.

The calendar helps you track changes in your mood longer-term and identify patterns and triggers.

You can download it for iOS, MacOS and Apple Watch.

You May Like: Pfnca Wellness Programs

Review Protocol And Registration

The systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Cochrane Handbook . The reporting of the study followed the instructions suggested by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis . The review protocol was pre-registered with PROSPERO, the International prospective register of systematic review .

Smartphone Apps For Those Living With Parkinson’s Disease

September 15, 2017, by

Digital platforms are now used for an array of healthcare purposes. Electronic medical records software, for example, enables physicians to better manage patient health information, while medical billing software helps administrators with the financial side of the process. Meanwhile, technologies such as pedometers, patient portals and smartphone or tablet apps empower patients to take greater control over the management of their own health. Apps, in particular, now address a range of concerns, from healthy eating to exercise. There are also many apps that focus on the management of chronic conditions, including heart disease, cancer and depression.

Parkinson’s disease, a degenerative illness impacting the nervous system, is another condition that is addressed via a range of smartphone apps. Here, we’ll provide a breakdown of some of the most effective Parkinson’s apps currently available.

A closer look at Parkinson’s diseaseA condition that progresses and worsens over a period of many years, Parkinson’s disease affects the central nervous system, and is characterized by symptoms such as stiffness, problems with movement and tremors, the Mayo Clinic detailed. There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s, although patients are able to take medications to manage symptoms and improve daily life.

Also Check: Parkinson Silverware

Consumer Cellular Doro 7050

Like GreatCall, Consumer Cellular is one of the leading companies when it comes to cell phones for seniors. The company offers a wide range of devices from high-tech ones like the GrandPad above to simple devices like the Doro 7050.

The Doro 7050 is a basic flip phone with large buttons that makes dialing phone numbers and sending text messages easier than ever. The simple design means less tech-savvy seniors wont get confused, and the displays feature high-contrast lighting to make it easier to read, even if there is a glare. It has a three megapixel camera with built-in flash, offering basic functionality for taking photos.

This flip phone features hearing aid compatibility and an emergency button if you need to reach out for help. The company also hosts instructional videos on its website so you can learn how to use the phone in just a few minutes.

The Doro 7050 is incredibly affordable. It costs $50, and the company offers a variety of calling and texting plans to suit different budgets.

Price And Wireless Service

Medtronic and Samsung Put DBS Therapy for Parkinsons Disease in Patients Hands

There are two versions of the phone. One version costs $309.00 and works on T-Mobile, and wireless providers that resell T-Mobile service, such as Mint Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile, Ting and Simple Mobile. It does not work on AT& T, Verizon or wireless providers that resell AT& T or Verizon service. Currently, the phone comes with a free SIM card and three free months of service from MINT Mobile. After the free months of service, MINT Mobile costs as low as $15/month for unlimited service.

The other version of the phone costs $349.00 and works with AT& T, Verizon, as well as T-Mobile. In other words, this version of the phone can be used with any wireless provider, including wireless resellers such as Cricket Wireless, Consumer Cellular, Straight Talk, Net10 and Metro by T-Mobile. This phone also comes with the free SIM card and service from MINT Mobile. For more information click here or call 1-800-729-0083.

Also Check: On-off Phenomenon

Matts Top Websites And Technologies For People With Parkinsons

Walk With Path Path Finder

Path Finder is a device that you attach to your shoe, and it fires a green laser light in front of you when you walk to help combat freezing. This is a really useful aid because the light gives you a focus to step over. Some people use doorways, for example, but if you are walking down the street you dont have anything to focus on. This light really helped me modify my gait.

You can buy them online they arent in mass production yet so at around £395 the cost can be prohibitive. But it provides a solution to a problem, which is what tech is all about.

Emma Lawtons PD365 video log

I use YouTube a lot to see how are other PwPs are coping, and I get daily updates from Emma Lawtons YouTube channel PD365.

Her videos are so insightful. She keeps everything real, and doesnt hide her symptoms. She tackles real issues, like how to apply her make up without a steady hand, or using a straw to drink from a cup to avoid throwing it everywhere. People get what she says, because she doesnt hold back. Shes not afraid to tackle the issues some other Parkinsons perhaps shy away from. These issues arent always pleasant, but its what we have to deal with.

Evergreen Life app

I use this app on my mobile phone and it does all sorts of things I can reorder my prescriptions using the app, and it can notify me when theyre due it goes straight to the pharmacy, and a day or two later my medication is ready to collect.

Start Living Today PD

Fitbit

Other Ways To Stay In Touch

Having a cell phone is one of the best ways to stay in touch with friends and family. Being able to call friends and family or do video chats from thousands of miles away can help you enjoy your golden years to the fullest. Whether you want a fancy smartphone with all the bells and whistles or something simple, youll find something that works for you on this list of the best cell phones for seniors.

Looking for other ways you can stay connected? Snug can help. Check out our senior living guides for ways to stay involved with your community. Youll find everything from tips for taking yoga or using Facetime to chat with friends to advice on how to develop a support system and maintain your independence. Snug can also help you stay safe and healthy with a daily check-in service that connects you with emergency contacts if something is wrong.

Read Also: Parkinson Bicycle Cleveland Clinic

Popular Articles
Related news