By Maurice
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The television is sometimes the only source of entertainment for bed-bound seniors. If you are a caregiver for one with limited mobility, then you definitely understand how important a good entertainment source is and just as equally essential is an excellent TV remote control.
Seniors with mobility issues find getting in and out of bed to change channels and switch movies substantially challenging. For them, a remote control is the only way to make optimal use of their in-home entertainment system.
However, mobility is not the only issue that comes with age; weak eyesight, shaking hands, aching knuckles, and inability to adapt to changes and new technology all come with aging and make finding a good remote a little more difficult.
In this article, we list some of the best and easy to use TV remote controls for the elderly. We will not only list recommendations but also provide each model's pros, cons, features, and summary.
At a Glance: The Best TV Remote for Seniors
Image | Name | Height | Width | Depth | Weight | Best For | Header |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GE Big Button Universal Remote Control | 5.75" | 2" | 1 " | 2.4 oz | Easy-to-read big buttons | |
| Sony Universal Remote Control | 6" | 2" | 1" | 3.03 oz | Lightweight & Easy to use | |
| Tek Pal - Large Button Remote Control | 5.5" | 2.75" | 1" | 4 oz | Offers less confusion | |
| LuckyStar Big Button Remote | 7.5" | 1.8" | 1" | 2.89 oz | Comfortable to hold & easy to clean | |
| Flipper Big Button TV Remote | 7" | 2.5" | 2" | 4 oz | Seniors with low and impaired vision | |
| Universal Big Button TV Remote | 5" | 2.25" | 0.9" | 2.25 oz | Backlit buttons & Quick search | |
| QFX REM-115 Jumbo Remote | 16" | 7" | 1.5" | 12 oz | Easy to hold and operate |
Best TV Remote for Seniors
GE Big Button Universal Remote Control | |
|---|---|
Height | 5.75" |
Width | 2" |
Depth | 1 " |
Weight | 2.4 oz |
The GE 33701 is a universal remote featuring easy to read big buttons. Its simplified keyboard is easy to use for all seniors. You can control up to 2 devices at a time with your universal remote. What makes it even better is the fact that with the remote, you get free technical support for 90-days.
Features:
Pros
Cons
Who this model is best for?
If you're looking for something easy to use and have a DVD or Blu-Ray device you want to operate, then this is the remote for you.
Sony Universal Remote Control | |
|---|---|
Height | 6" |
Width | 2" |
Depth | 1" |
Weight | 3.03 oz |
The Sony Universal remote features an ideal de-cluttered design. It has all the essential controls in a compact device that is lightweight and easy to use. You can program to control two devices at a time, and it is compatible with most of the major brands.
Features:
Pros
Cons
Who this model is best for?
If you're looking for a user-friendly compact remote control, then the Sony universal remote is ideal for you. It features sizeable buttons, making it ideal for seniors.
Tek Pal - Large Button Remote Control | |
|---|---|
Height | 5.5" |
Width | 2.75" |
Depth | 1" |
Weight | 4 oz |
The Tek Pal is one of the most simplified remote controls in our guide. It features six large buttons that are backlit. If you want to give a gift to a senior who isn't particularly tech-savvy and has low eyesight, this is the remote control to give. It provides them the basic control needed to operate a television without being overly confusing.
Features:
Pros
Cons
Who this model is best for?
It is ideal for seniors who aren't tech-savvy and want something extremely simple to operate.
LuckyStar Big Button Remote | |
|---|---|
Height | 7.5" |
Width | 1.8" |
Depth | 1" |
Weight | 2.89 oz |
The LuckyStar Big Button Remote is another extremely easy to use device, but with a lot more functionality than the Tek-Pal. The A-TV2 is compatible with TV, LCD, and LED. It is compatible with LG, Philips, Zenith, Panasonic, Sharp, Vigo, and RCA TV and comes with an automatic search function for ease of set up.
Features:
Pros
Cons
Who this model is best for?
It is ideal for those seniors who want something functional but easy to use. The LuckyStar remote control features big buttons, is compatible with most devices, and does not require programming.
Flipper Big Button TV Remote | |
|---|---|
Height | 7" |
Width | 2.5" |
Depth | 2" |
Weight | 4 oz |
The Flipper Big Button remote control for the elderly is even simpler than the Tek-Pal. It features only four-buttons and is ideal for seniors with impaired vision, or those that aren't technologically aware or advanced.
Features:
Pros
Cons
Who this model is best for?
It is perfect for seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia that require something extremely simple and easy to use. The Flipper Remote control is simple and familiar. It is compatible with multiple devices and provides the basic functions seniors seek.
Continuus Universal Big Button TV Remote | |
|---|---|
Height | 5" |
Width | 2.25" |
Depth | 0.9" |
Weight | 2.25 oz |
If you're looking for a gift for a bedridden senior, then this remote is ideal for you. It is a true universal remote with a universal code library. Its quick search and automatic programming feature make it easy to use, eliminating the time spent on programming your television. It also comes with a wrist wrap, which adds to its functionality.
Features:
Pros
Cons
Who this model is best for?
The Continuus Universal Big Button Remote Control is ideal as a gift for seniors with low or impaired vision. It features 6 large buttons that are backlit for ease of use. It also comes with a wrist wrap, so the senior doesn't lose or drop the remote.
QFX REM-115 Jumbo Remote | |
|---|---|
Height | 16" |
Width | 7" |
Depth | 1.5" |
Weight | 12 oz |
Out of all the remote controls we've mentioned so far, the QFX has the most functions. It is compatible with all major brands of TV, DVD, VCR, cable, satellite, and audio devices. You can set it up both manually and automatically. It is a sizeable remote that provides a more comfortable grip to the user. You can operate up to 8 devices at once, and the large backlit buttons make it very easy to use.
Features:
Pros
Cons
Who this model is best for?
The remote control is ideal for seniors that are looking for something easier to hold and operate. The size of the remote allows you to use it with both hands. The programmable sleep timer is another much-coveted feature that seniors will love.
FAQs – TV Remote Controls for Seniors
A TV remote for seniors is essentially a simplified television remote control. Often they are universal remote controls because designing a separate controller for seniors with each television model is too much of a hassle.
Traditional remote controls can be too confusing for seniors; thus, some companies produce simplified versions of remote controls. A remote control for seniors can often control multiple devices to make them easier to operate.
They feature large keys with easy to read text. Many remote controls come with backlit keyboards and safety locks. They are also programmable, so you can even program the remote to operate like their previous controller, making them ideal for seniors who need a sense of familiarity in their lives.
Choosing a TV remote for seniors can make it easier for a senior to watch television, especially for the bed-bound ones or those with limited mobility. They often feature six keys making them easier to use for seniors.
Some even feature backlit keyboards and programmable sleep timers, allowing the senior to use the remote comfortably at night and even fall asleep to the sound of the TV without having to worry about closing it.
All these features and more are not present in a normal remote control. In fact, many TV remotes for seniors are universal, allowing them to control multiple devices with just one remote.
Your choice will depend upon the function you seek. If you want something extremely simple, then a normal six-button remote will do. If you want a high-tech universal remote for all the devices the senior uses, then you may look at some advanced options. Make sure you find one according to the needs of the senior.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect remote controller can make a world of difference in the life of an aged adult. Those with limited mobility spend a substantial amount of time watching television. For some, a complex remote control can be aggravating, while for others, the lack of options can be frustrating. Make sure you first note down the requirements of your ward before you purchase a remote control.
In this guide, we have provided options to suit all requirements. You have jumbo universal remotes, smaller six-button ones, and long and sleek high-tech options as well.
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These are the worst, were they checked out on seniors? Too many useless buttons. My super senior mom needs menu or guide, volume, mute, channel block (5 at a time for Directv) and singular, on, off.. I am tired of trying to fix the input, reset the satellite, calling to beg for a simple menu for seniors… Geez.
Are they looking to fry a super senior’s brain, add sat, cbl, input fast forward, record, stop, reverse, return, back, +/-, forward, zoom, info.. Seriously how complicated does this need to be…