Do Seniors Need a Special TV Remote Control?

Seniors are statistically watching the most Television out of any age group, more than 5 hours a day according to the latest data from Nielsen. The TV remote control is your connection to in-home entertainment. Television series, talk shows, news, movie, it’s all available at your fingertips with the press of a button. For seniors who have mobility issues, their in-home entertainment is essential to age in place. So if you have trouble moving or difficulty getting up and down, a remote is even more crucial for you. But you need the right kind of TV remote control that can be the perfect solution to this modern issue.

Do Seniors Need a Special TV Remote Control? A simple TV remote containing basic features will allow seniors a Television experience with minimal issues. This kind of TV Remote is essential for seniors with Dementia or Alzheimer’s, someone with low or impaired vision, or really anyone who simply wants to simplify their TV viewing experience.

This is without any doubt, a thoughtful gift for seniors, caregivers, and loved ones. Plus, it’s a great item in any hospital, hotel room or nursing home.

Features that a TV Remote Control for Seniors should have:

Imagine a remote without countless buttons and complicated un-user-friendly use. A simplified TV Remote Control for seniors can enhance your loved one’s independence because they don’t need help with the TV.

1. Easy to use, so it should have only essential buttons:

For the elderly and those who are not comfortable with all the buttons and selections of hi-tech remote controls, a simple remote control with 6 buttons will do. Therefore, the ideal TV remote control for seniors basically need to have 3 key functions: the basic On/Off, and Channel (up/down), Volume (high/low), and Mute.

Function# of buttons
On/Off1 button
Channel (Up/Down)2 buttons
Volume (High/Low)2 buttons
Mute1 button
Total 6 buttons

2. Easy-to-read text on big buttons

The TV Remote should have big buttons to be easy to be manipulated and should also have an easy-to-read text on it so it can be straightforward to be used.

3. Work multiple devices

The TV Remote should work both your TV and Cable Box (IR). With the same remote you should be able to control all major IR (infrared) TVs and Cables Satellite boxes, and Soundbars, like Xfinity, Comcast, Dish, Direct TV, Spectrum, Bose, and more. For that, you should just need to make sure to activate IR in Xfinity and Dish.

4. Lightweight and Compact

The lightweight and compact design of the TV Remote should make it a great product for any home, nursing home, hotel or hospital.

5. Have a “Lockable” feature

The TV Remote should have the settings “Lock” in order to prevent mistakes, such as pressing the wrong button and changing the programming, leading to confusion for all to reset the devices.

6. Simple and straightforward to use

Basically a perfect TV Remote for seniors should be easy, simple and straightforward to use, without countless buttons and complicated un-user-friendly features.

Best Simple TV Remote Controls for Seniors Available on the Market Right Now:

1. EasyMote TV Remote

The EasyMote TV remote control ensures the user the quickest and easiest overall control of their cable box and television. The speedy, simple set up can be followed in 3 steps and takes a matter of seconds. An easy to understand set up guide is included in the packaging along with your brand new easy remote. In under a minute you will be able to sit back, relax and enjoy watching the TV with this simple and effective solution.

6 big essential buttons: The EasyMote features 6 large and bright backlit buttons (the basic On/Off, and Channel – up/down, Volume – high/low, and Mute) that light up when pressed, along with a red flashing light that indicates use. It’s a basic TV control with clear and big button text for easy-to-see use, even in the dark. Including a strong wrist strap, which is made from a strong, comfortable-to-wear material, which prevents misplacement.

Work multiple devices: The EasyMote gives you access to your TV and cable box without being confused about the un-necessary buttons on modern-day remotes. This Universal Big Button TV Remote can control both your TV and Cable Box (IR) with the same remote. The EasyMote is all you need for a stress-free, easy to navigate experience with your Television. No more complicated remotes! Works with all major IR (infrared) TVs and Set-Top Boxes. (Make sure to activate IR in Xfinity and Dish!).

Lightweight and compact: The EasyMote TV Remote is lightweight (2.25 ounces) and compact (5 x 2.25 x 0.9 in).

Lockable feature: Another great feature is its lockable content. The EasyMote can be locked once programmed, this ensures that there is no accidental reprogramming and the user can enjoy their TV with full peace of mind.

Quick Search feature: Quick Search will scan for your TV code, it’s easy and takes a matter of seconds, also featuring a learning mode that allows you to program each button to a custom command. The EasyMote is a smart remote with learning capabilities, meaning you can teach it custom commands from your original TV or Cable Box remote.

Click here for more details on Amazon.

2. Flipper Big Button TV Remote

The Flipper Big Button TV remote control is the most “advanced” yet Simple universal remote on the market today. The magic is in its proprietary software that knows where to send the signals to the device. No more device buttons to press. Flipper is a replacement Universal Remote and works IR (Infrared) Devices. Some cable companies like Xfinity and Dish install their devices in RF (Radio Frequency).

6 big essential buttons: The Flipper Big Button TV Remote features 6 buttons: the basic On/Off, and Channel (up/down), Volume (high/low), and Mute.

Work multiple devices: Flipper works IR (infrared) devices, including TVs, Cable Set-Top Boxes (STBs) and Soundbars. The only remote you’ll need – works with all IR (infrared) TVs and Cable / Satellite boxes, and Soundbars, like Xfinity, Comcast, Dish, Direct TV, Spectrum, Bose, and More. Two remotes combined into one to make your viewing experience simple and easy! (Be sure to Activate IR in Dish, Xfinity, and DirecTV).

Lightweight and compact: The Flipper Big Button TV Remote is lightweight (4 ounces) and compact (7 x 2.5 x 2 in).

Lockable feature: Flipper’s Simple programming knows where to send the signals – its special “Lock” feature prevents accidental reprogramming. It prevents mistakes and late-night calls. No more calls to fix the TV! Locking Set Up. Often, a user will press the wrong button and change the programming, leading to confusion for all to reset the devices. But in Flipper, the settings “Lock” thereby preventing mistakes. No more midnight calls to fix the TV!

Favorites feature: Customize your content with its proprietary ” Favorites” feature – program up to 25 of your favorite channels then easily “Flip” through your channels – eliminate hundreds of channels with nothing on! In Flipper, you can set the user’s Favorite Channels. Eliminate thousands of useless channels, and only get the content they want. Set 25-30 (depending on the box) and enjoy!

Click here for more details on Amazon.

Product Comparison

EasyMoteFlipper
Price$15.95$34.95
Item dimension5×2.25×0.9in7×2.5x2in
Item Weight2.25 ounces4 ounces
Number of buttons66
Available coloursBlack and WhiteBlack
Batteries2 AAA2 AAA
Special FutureQuick Search feature; It lightens in the dark; and comes with a wrist strapFavorites feature

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Comments

  1. where can you get these remotes you mention in your article
    either the ezmote or flipper i have never seen these before.

    1. Author

      Hi Thomas,

      The remotes are linked to an Amazon page where you can easily buy them online. We hope it helps! Cheers!

  2. Can my husband and I each have our own remote to the same TV. We are in our 70’s and each have mobility issues.

    1. Author

      Hi Elizabeth, thanks for reaching out, we are here to help you! You actually can have two remotes for one TV, but for a more detailed answer we would need to know what kind of remote you have (or intend to get). We hope it helps! Cheers!

  3. Is there a simplified universal remote that still allows for DVR recording and watching later, as well as accessing Netflix, Prime video, YouTube?

    1. Author

      Hey Dan, these kinds of remote control are usually a bit more complicate to use, but nowadays there are many with specific Netflix, Prime video, Youtube buttons – this is also a pain point for my mother who uses apple TV!

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