He is incapable of figuring out how to operate the phone, the TV remote, and any other device along those lines. He keeps wanting me to help him re-learn. I know that realistically he will not be able to retain any info, and it is very frustrating for us both.
Plus with a land-line phone, if your husband needs to call 911, the dispatcher will automatically see your house address, so if hubby gets confused about what is going on and it is a true emergency, first responders will automatically come to your door.
Last time I looked, Target was still selling the regular looking land-line phones. I have one in just about every room of the house. No searching around for the cellphone. I refused to have a cellphone glued to myself.
My husband also had LBD. Cognition fluctuates in that disease -- with more lucid periods alternating with confusion. I made sure that I only tried to teach him anything in his lucid periods. I wanted him to carry a cell phone when he left the house. He could still do errands on his personal mobility scooter. Each time he left the house we reviewed how he could call me on the phone, and how to answer it. I made sure it was on.
When I'd call him I knew it would take him a while to get the phone out of his pocket, so I kept hanging up and dialing again until he answered. Our conversations went like this:
Hi honey. Did you get your hair cut?
Yes. It is all done.
Did you have to wait a long time? It seems to be taking longer than usual.
Oh, no. I just decided to stop for an ice cream cone on the way home.
Well that is fine. I'll see you soon then. Be sure to call me if you have problems.
Of course he only went out on errands when he was having very good days. I was very grateful that we could make using the cell phone in this limited way work.
Alexander4 your husband may be beyond the point when he has enough "good days" to learn to use these gadgets. You are the best person to judge that. If he is not able to retain instructions even for a brief period, then try to minimize the frustration and do more helping instead of teaching.
Ask your cable provider about a simple remote with large buttons.