Innovative Aging Episode 14: Cognitive Impairment and Phones: Can Simplified Devices Prolong Connection?

Join host Carol Chiang, OTR/L, CAPS, ECHM, CHAMP, as she sits down with Robert Felgar, CEO of RAZ Mobility and former telecommunications attorney, to discuss bridging communication barriers for clients with cognitive impairment. Drawing on his extensive experience developing tailored mobile solutions for individuals with dementia, low vision, and tremors, Robert shares how simplified technology can safely extend independence and ease caregiver strain. In this episode, we unpack the cognitive demands of modern smartphones, explore adaptive options across the technology continuum, and highlight actionable remote management strategies to keep your clients connected. You will walk away with a practical framework to help families select and configure the right device before social isolation takes hold.Learning OutcomesAnalyze the evidence around cell phone use and mobile technology challenges for clients experiencing cognitive impairmentApply practical, evidence-based strategies to actionably address cell phone selection, configuration, and implementation for clients with cognitive impairmentSolve patient case scenarios involving mobile device selection and remote caregiver management for clients with cognitive impairmentTimestamps(00:00:00) Welcome(00:00:05) Intro(00:00:29) Meet Robert Felgar and RAS Mobility(00:06:03) The biggest smartphone frustrations for people with cognitive impairment(00:09:04) How simple tasks like calling 911 become complex(00:14:33) Low vision and hand tremor accessibility features(00:17:22) One-touch calling and simpler incoming calls(00:18:10) Customization and optional features(00:21:55) Remote management for caregivers(00:24:00) Scam blocking, allow lists, and text protection(00:28:04) Repetitive calling, nighttime calls, and reminders(00:33:14) Emergency calling and private dispatch(00:35:37) Explaining phone use and dementia to caregivers(00:39:30) Comparing options for phone technology(00:46:01) How to know whether a phone is a good fit(00:49:30) Funding options and pricing(00:53:52) Key takeaways for cliniciansInnovative Aging is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/