VTech SN5147 Amplified Corded/Cordless Senior Phone with Answering Machine, Call Blocking, 90dB Extra-loud Visual Ringer, One-touch Audio Assist on Handset up to 50dB, Big Buttons and Large Display

I purchased with other Vtech items for my ageing parents and I was super disappointed with the condition this unit arrived in. The batteries had exploded so I'm glad they were in a separate bag, however, the paint on the unit was flaking and made the unit look very old. I haven't yet tested the functionality as I'm having so much trouble with other features of other accessories but this is likely going back.

First of all, I love the concept of a cohesive phone system for elderly or impaired. I just finished setting up the phone base and several add-on handsets, plus the doorbells and SOS pendent. All of the normal setup of a multi-phone setup is pretty much what you would expect and straightforward and has nice features that drove me to buy this. The part that really seems clunky and disconnected are the add-on devices (pendant and doorbells). The doorbells have some configuration that you would expect, like naming them (front door, back door, etc.), as well as setting the chime sounds and volume. Now for the part that I can't understand...when the doorbell button is pressed, all of the phones play the chime...and play it...and play it...it never seems to stop until you pick up the phone and either answer the doorbell (like an intercom) or cancel it on a handset. Maybe there is a timeout that I haven't hit with them yet, but we have let in ring about 10 times to see if it ever just gives up. It seems like that should be configurable in case you don't have the handset, so it could act more like a normal doorbell to some extent. The SOS pendant is another great feature but lacks documentation. If you change the default message, it would be nice to have an example to know what the person on the receiving end of the call needs to be told. Apparently, the older models acted more like an intercom as opposed to these newer models that will just send an alarm to all of the handsets, then will start calling the SOS numbers in sequential order until someone picks up, then the person needing help might be able to communicate if they were reasonably close to one of the handsets. Having the pendant and a handset with you would be the best bet if two-way communication was ever needed. It looks like the button would be too easy to accidentally hit on the pendant as well so time will tell if the false alarms will be an issue.

This system is good for everyone, even those who are not tech savy as once it's programmed, you can ignore all the bells and whistles and just use the SOS system and/or the handset & base like an ordinary cordless phone. I purchased this in conjunction with two SN7022 Pendants. It’s only been a day and hasn’t been in an actual use for an emergency but here are the highlights & pros: - Can pair multiple pendants to the phone. - When the pendant is triggered, the base will beep very loudly for 20 seconds so that you know you have triggered the SOS before it starts dialling your contacts. It’s actually quite alarming but good for the hard of hearing. - For accidental triggers, there’s a cancel button on the back of the pendant. - The pendant is big but light. - Can program up to 5 SOS contacts, the system will call in the order you have programmed it. - If the 1st contact doesn’t pick-up it will then dial the 2nd contact, if they don’t pick-up it will dial the 3rd contact and so forth. If it goes to voicemail, it will continue to dial the next contact as the receiver of the call must push a button on their phone to confirm receipt of the SOS. - When a contact receives a SOS call, it will start with an automated message saying that it’s an emergency and then prompt them to push a button. If they don’t push a button or hang up it will continue dialling the next contacts. You can customize the message. If the receiver has call display, it will only show your name as usual. - If your contact confirms the SOS call, the contact by default will be connected to the base speaker phone - handset can be used too. If the person in need cannot speak, the contact can still reassure them that they have received the call, that they’re on the way and the estimated time of arrival. The speaker phone is quite loud so if you’re in a single floor unit, you should be able to hear the speaker phone from any room. - Great system for those who may need somewhat urgent assistance but not full on emergency/ambulance services. - Since it’s a landline system, there are no additional subscription costs associated. This also means if the power goes out, the SOS system will continue to work (unlike other systems that rely on wifi). - This phone has many functions, there are many bells and whistles but you can ignore them. The handset can be used like a simple regular cordless phone, can program up to 4 speed dials (they are separate from the auto SOS calls). All you need to know are who’s numbers are saved to the speed dial buttons (we programmed the 4 speed dial buttons in birth order so it’s easy to remember.) - There are also 4 speed dial buttons on the base where you can attach a picture. The buttons are big and easy to push. - When dialling out, the phone will announce the number that was just pushed, could be handy for those who have impaired vision but it otherwise slows down dialling out. This will also happen for numbers saved in speed dial. Cons: - The pendant is only used to trigger the SOS, it cannot be used to communicate. - Had issues pairing the system together, especially the 2nd pendant but everything eventually worked. - No low battery indicator on the pendant. - It feels like cheap quality. I would not hesitate to buy this again for other family members, I would test the system maybe once a month to ensure it’s still working.

Lo compré para mi mamá (adulto mayor) y le ha funcionado de maravilla. Tiene el teclado grande, audio graduable; incluso cuenta con un ecualizador para acentuar los graves y medios lo cual ayuda mucho para sus problemas de oído. La pila tiene buena duración. El altavoz de la base del auricular es muy útil para responder las llamadas en otra habitación. Estamos muy satisfechos con el aparato.

Súper fácil de usar y muy práctico.