You can see full details of the Chatsie Smartphone and buy it here

There are very few products, apps, operating systems, designs, that leave me gobsmacked. Chatsie phone is one of those.

Chatsie is an operating system designed for people who struggle with normal Android or IOS (iphone) setups and operating systems. It is far simpler than all other operating systems I have come across. This is not just designed for people living with dementia. Anyone can use Chatsie.

It is simple to set up but if tech is not your thing, then getting someone to set it up for you would be the best. I did myself with no trouble, but I am a bit more tech inclined. It allows you to set up biometric sign-in so no more remembering passwords, though you will need them for setting-up.

You can add apps that you use, and they will show up on the home screen. Rather than the app logo that, let’s be honest, look like others and go somewhere on your phone that you must scroll through to find and then forget what you are looking for… or is that just me? Frustrating! These apps are on your home screen with a message for example “open WhatsApp”, or “open Photos”.

For those of us that must keep going back to our loved ones because they have changed the settings on the phone and now the phone does not ring when you phone or the messages don’t get received any more, Chatsie has sorted that by putting the setting in a place that can only be accessed after going past a big warning sign that appears on screen. I think it can be password protected as well. Though I did not set that up for me. Hopefully problem solved.

Simple home screen instructions. “Call someone”, “Listen to voicemail”, “Read text”, “Text someone”, “open calendar”, the list goes on. Rather than app logos they are prompts to help you know where to go and what to do.

When the phone rings it shows and easy instruction for you to follow, “Answer Yes/No”. When a text comes through, again easy instructions, “Read text” and then a “Draft a reply” prompt appears. You can choose to type or dictate your message. The prompts are large and easy to read. You can set up emergency call numbers and a list of numbers to use in an emergency that are easy to access.

I thought this operating system was brilliant and so I showed it to others who had dementia and those that cared for people living with dementia. I also showed it to some people who had elderly parents. There response was the same as mine “how can I get my parents one of these phones”, “eventually someone has made an easy-to-use phone”.

The phone comes with the sim card installed. It comes with Chatsie set up. All you really must do is log in and set up your Wi-Fi and contacts, which you can if you know how to import. Follow the prompts on screen, simple as that.

When you think about the cost, remember that it is coming with a phone and protection cover, Sim card (phone number assigned), charger and Chatsie set up. There is a month cost to stay connected to airtime.

I cannot rate this system highly enough. If I could give a 10-star rating I would!!

PRODUCT STAR RATING (out of 5 stars):

5 out of 5 stars

If I could give a 10-star I would. Excellent phone with easy to follow prompts

About the author

Michael Booth
Michael is a former carer for his mom who lived with young onset Alzheimer’s disease for nine years and now himself lives with young onset Alzheimer’s disease. This gives him a view from both sides, a unique position. Michael is a Research Network volunteer and a member of the Innovations Board for the Alzheimer’s Society. Michael is also a member of the Geller Commission Advisory Board for people living with dementia; Experts by Experience Group for dementia; Brains for Dementia Advisory Board for Alzheimer’s Research UK; Young Dementia Network steering group member; Member of the NHS patient and Carer group (Dementia Advisor). Michael is a former Project and Technical Manager for a global electrical and electronic cable designer and manufacturer.

Michael tests a range of products sold on Alzheimer's Society's shop, as well as new products we are considering, providing a hands-on, honest assessment from someone living with dementia. We also share this feedback with the product suppliers and manufacturers to suggest improvements.

Author of the book: Dementia, you are not alone!