The RAZ Memory Cell Phone aims to empower persons with intellectual disabilities, including people living with dementia, to continue to use a cell phone by addressing common challenges.

When a smartphone or basic mobile phone becomes too complex due to the multiple steps it takes to use features and even make a phone call, the simple one-touch dialing of the RAZ Memory Cell Phone can help users to stay connected.

"To make calls, the person with dementia simply taps and holds the picture of the person they wish to call."

Main features

The RAZ Memory Cell Phone has a primary screen showing up to six contacts (including pictures and names), a button to call 911, and the usual time, battery power and signal strength displays – but that’s it!

Other than these features, the extra-large and bright 6.3-inch display shows no notifications, no operating system updates and gives no ability to access apps or settings to cause confusion. The screen is always on and does not lock or go to “sleep”. The volume button is disabled and is always set to maximum. Every detail of the phone is designed to achieve the greatest possible simplicity for its user and can even be charged wirelessly for people with dexterity issues by purchasing the wireless charging set.

RAZ Memory Cell Phone options include the ability to add up to 24 contacts for those who require more than six and a RAZ Emergency Service (available by subscription), which screens user 911 calls through dispatch agents and notifies the care partner by text message.

"Care partners can support a person with dementia to use the phone through an easy-to-use online portal ... And starting in December 2021, care partners can manage the RAZ Memory Cell Phone through an app available on iOS and Android cell phones."

How to use

To make calls, the user simply taps and holds the picture of the person they wish to call.

When the phone rings, two big buttons will appear – a green one that says “Answer” and a red one that says, “Hang up”. If the caller is a known contact, a large picture and name will be displayed.

Care partner controls

Care partners can support a person with dementia to use the phone through an easy-to-use online portal that can be accessed from anywhere in the world, which contributes to optimum simplicity for the user. And starting in December 2021, care partners can manage the RAZ Memory Cell Phone through an app available on iOS and Android cell phones.

Currently, the portal allows the care partner to:

• Manage contacts
• Create an “Allow List” of individuals who can call the person with dementia, but whom the person with dementia cannot call
• Limit incoming calls to those from contacts (no robocalls)
• Make all calls go automatically to speaker
• Disable the power button so that the phone is always on
• Check the phone’s location using GPS
• Check whether the phone is low on battery or has poor connectivity

Additional features

Several other great additional features will be available in December 2021. For example, the user's designated contacts will be able to video call them, the care partner will be able to send reminders, the phone can be set up to automatically answer calls, and much more! These, and other future updates to the RAZ Memory Cell Phone, will be made available for free.