Best Universal Remote for the Elderly

A TV remote is your connection to your television at home. However, a universal remote connects you to many more devices.

For an older adult with poor vision who is not well-equipped with new technology, you will need the best Universal remote, which is simple to use and has the design and functions they need.



Why Get a Universal Remote For Seniors

Most seniors tend to spend a lot of time watching television. Many seniors are immobile or do not take part in activities anymore. Thus, watching television still allows them to enjoy the world and others doing these activities through a screen.

The TV remote gives seniors the independence to control their shows, sound, clarity, and many other aspects.

For seniors, the convenience of a Universal TV remote cannot be overstated. It eliminates the need to constantly get up from their chairs to operate devices like a TV, speaker, or music center. This independence and control over their entertainment can significantly impact their daily lives.

The universal TV remote gives them one device that does everything they need without searching for different remotes, and they get used to every shape and design.


What is a Universal Remote

So, exactly what is a Universal Remote, and what will it do for an elderly person?

Well, you can control your television, audio devices, video devices, and other devices with one single remote control.,
You can control all AV devices with one remote, making it much easier to replace the remote.

You get two types of Universal remotes that are available;

  • Replacement Remotes – You can get a universal remote to replace all your old remote controls for your television and other devices.
  • Smart Control Remotes – This is a Pre-Programmed universal remote that can control up to 8 devices with a free setup app. They are the most compatible and future-proof, so they will still work on devices. They offer advanced features and customization options. This type of remote is ideal for users who are comfortable with technology and want more control over their devices.

Features of a Good Universal Remote for the Elderly

When looking for a universal remote for an elderly person, you need to consider three aspects. Elderly persons may have poor vision, so the buttons and design must be obvious and easy to see. They are only sometimes up to date with technology and, therefore, need a very easy-to-use remote without any buttons to make them clear. Then again, the remote must function for the devices and uses the elderly person requires. For example, they may struggle with small buttons, complex setups, or multiple remotes, so a universal remote that addresses these challenges would be ideal.

With that in mind, here are some features that you should most definitely look out for;

Simple Remote Control Seniors

  • Compatibility – Firstly, the remote must be compatible with all the devices you want to use. It does not help to set up a universal remote with your television, only to find out that it does not work with your cable box or speakers, You will need to check the products description closely, and you can also contact the manufacturer to find out with what brand the remote is compatible with.
  • Design – Firstly, the buttons on the remote control need to be large and easy to press, especially for elderly people who may have weakness in their hands or have Parkinson’s and other conditions. They also need to be set far apart enough not to press two buttons at once accidentally. A good contrasting color between the remote base and the buttons is ideal for helping individuals with poor vision. Backlit buttons are also ideal for watching television when the lights are dimmed. I would suggest a remote with no more than ten buttons that are simple and easy to use. Otherwise, it may become too complicated for an elderly person to use.
  • Large and Easy To Read Numbers and Wording – Any numbers or wording on or around the buttons on the universal remote must be large and easy to read by an elderly person, particularly if they have poor vision. Also, look for buttons with single functions only per button, as those with multiple function descriptions may need to be bigger to read and clearer to use. This feature is important as it ensures that the user can easily identify and understand the functions of each button, enhancing their user experience.
  • Simplicity To Use – Depending on the savvy of the elderly person regarding technology, I would rather for a more straightforward and no-fuss remote with fewer functions and buttons than more. Most seniors do not need to cycle through TV input changes, settings, or other formatting but rather change a channel or increase volume. So keep the remote simple with basic functions. If needed, a loved one could always directly help with the more advanced setting on the television or device. This feature is important as it ensures that the remote is easy for the user to understand and operate, promoting independence and reducing frustration.
  • Wrist Strap – Some Universal remotes for seniors come with a handy wrist strap to keep the remote secure and close at hand for an elderly person to use whenever necessary. This feature is particularly useful for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other conditions, which can cause them to forget where they have placed small items, such as a remote control. In this case, the wrist strap comes in handy and can also be used to tie the device to a piece of clothing or place it in a pocket. This feature is important as it ensures the remote is always within reach, reducing the risk of being misplaced or lost.

Reviews: The Best Universal Remotes for the Elderly

Here are some of our favorite picks for universal remote Controls for Seniors;
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1
Reviewed by: John Max Score: 98.9

  • The Flipper Big button universal remote is another favorite for elderly individuals. It has three major functions that are simple and easy for seniors to use. With this single remote, it can control multiple devices, and the buttons are large, clear, and easy for the elderly to read.
  • It has three major functions that are simple and easy for seniors to use.
  • You can control multiple devices with this single remote.
  • The buttons are large, clear, and easy for the elderly to read.


2
  • The Amazon Fire TV stick is the perfect universal remote for seniors.
  • It allows fast and full HD streaming in your home.
  • The remote comes with an Alexa Voice remote as well.
  • You can enjoy many channels, and the remote is easy to use.
  • The ideal design and setup for seniors.


3
  • The Tek-Pal is a large-button universal remote for the elderly.
  • It has a palm-size fit for easy holding.
  • There are only size large, clearly displayed buttons.
  • The background of the buttons is also backlit.
  • You can operate multiple devices with the remote with ease.
  • It requires two AA batteries, which are not included.


4
  • The Matrix is another Big Button universal remote model for seniors.
  • It comes in three different options from which you can choose.
  • The universal remote has huge easy-to-see buttons.
  • The design is simple, easy to use, and clear for senior adults.
  • It is also clear and has contrasting colors.


5
  • Form Continuus has a senior universal remote that is perfect for everyday use.
  • It will easily operate a variety of devices in your home.
  • The remote has huge and clear buttons.
  • It is designed specifically for assisted living and elderly care with all these needs.
  • The buttons are backlit, and the design is simple and easy to hold.
  • There are also only size buttons for operation.
  • It requires two AA batteries, which are not included, unfortunately.


6
  • We have another large button design universal remote from the Ge store for seniors.
  • It is a universal remote that accommodates Samsung, Vizio, Lg, Sony, Sharp, Roku, Apple TV, TCL, Panasonic, Smart TVs, Streaming Players, Blu-Ray, DVD, 2-Device, Silver, and 33701.
  • The device has a simple setup and comes pre-programmed.
  • It has large and clear buttons. are easy for the elderly to use.


7
  • Here, you have two options for the universal remote.
  • It consists of ABS materials that are durable and wearable.\Powered by batteries that are not included.
  • The remote is simple to use with clear buttons.
  • It is small and easy for an elderly person to carry around.


8
  • The Luckystar Big Button universal remote is a favorite for elderly individuals.
  • It has three modes and is compatible with most brands.
  • The remote has a natural fit design and is easy to work with.
  • It also comes with a one-year guarantee.


Index Table: Top Rated Universal Remotes for the Elderly

No.ProductImageFeaturesBrandScore
1Flipper Simple - Universal Remote for Seniors
  • Three Key Functions
  • Large Buttons
  • Multiple Device Use
Flipper98.9
2Fire TV Stick - Universal Remote for the Elderly
  • Two Options
  • HD Streaming
Fire98.4
3Tek Pal Large Button - Universal Remote for the Elderly
  • Large Buttons
  • Palm Sized
  • Backlit
Tek Pal96
4Gmatrix Control - Universal Remote for the Elderly
  • Easy To Use
  • Large Buttons
  • Multiple Set-Up Options
Gmatrix96.3
5Continuus Big Button - Universal Remote for the Seniors
  • Wrist Strap
  • Cable Box
  • Backlit
Continuus97
6GE Big Button - Universal Remote for the Elderly
  • Blu-Ray
  • Large Buttons
  • Streaming
GE96.1
7Tihebeyan Learning Remote - Universal Remote for the Elderly
  • Six Keys
  • Versatile
  • Smart Controller
Tihebeyan97
8LuckyStar - Universal Remote for the Elderly
  • Universal Design
  • No Programs Needed
LuckyStar97.2


About the Author

John Max

John is a certified fitness trainer, writer, and health enthusiast and has worked with people of all age groups. He understands the difference a right product makes towards the fitness and comfort of the elderly. He reads a lot of stuff on the internet to explore and stay updated with the latest advancements in technology for elderly people. John also regularly tests and analyzes the benefits and features of as many senior-specific products as possible. Without a surprise, many of our readers love his reviews and testing style for how thorough and straightforward they are.