Photomike

Southern Alberta

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Here is the question. My dad (in his late 70's and starting to loose his mind) is going to be doing some traveling ~ I know not a good combination but we have had no success fighting this. We want him to have a cell phone to take with, he is going to be traveling in Canada and the US and I was wondering what the best phone/ package that you know for both the US and Canada. He IS NOT technically smart in any way so a computer is out of the question, a basic phone is the best.
Thanks,
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windriderjr

Massachusetts

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Whatever you get, make sure it is a "flip phone" or dear old dad will butt-dial you endlessly.
There is a cell phone made for the elderly (I can't remember the name but they advertise in lots of magazines) It has big keys and a large display.
One other option is a Firefly phone. You can program up to 50 numbers and Dad can only call those numbers.
I gave my dad a cell phone and it has worked out great. We stay in touch more after I let him know that calls between us (he is on my family plan) are free.
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Bumpyroad

Virginia

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don't know about Canada but for infrequent, emergency use a $19.99 Tracfone works for me.
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dogshooter

Wyoming

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The cell phone I got for my elderly parents can be found at Jitterbug.com. Very simple to operate and no unneccessary bells or whistles.
"Life's tough. It's even tougher if you're stupid."...John Wayne
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RVNDC

Hayes, Va

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Get one that has GPS and enable it. You can subscribe to a service provided by the carrier that will allow you to track him. I know Verizon has it. It only works on specific telephones.
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TXcampingfamily

San Antonio, TX

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Make sure you program your phone number also under the name "ICE" (In Case of Emergency). Most police, firefighters and paramedics will look for this on a cell phone. If he has medical conditions that medical staff should be aware of, you might look into purchasing a USB to transport his medical records. Something like MedFlash. I like the GPS suggested by another poster.
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MrWizard

Van Nuys, Ca

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"family locater" "chaperon" are (2) of the names for the family GPS tracking, shows where 'the phone' is at , ON your phone or your PC
Options, always have options, and the journey goes much smoother
....
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I BOUGHTthis phone
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96Bounder30E

America is my home!

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Moved from General RVing Issues
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Photomike

Southern Alberta

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Great suggestions, I want one that he can use to call us as well. More concerned about a good company that he won't be paying a ton on roaming charges and minutes when he does call.
I like the ICE number suggestion and the GPS suggestion.
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