Emergency Phone Settings Every Senior Should Set Up

Photo source: openverse, tendril7, Flickr

A mobile phone can be one of the most valuable safety tools for older New Zealanders, but only if it is set up properly before an emergency happens. Taking a few minutes now to adjust your emergency phone settings could make all the difference if you have a fall, feel unwell, or need urgent help.

One of the first things to set up is your medical ID or emergency information. Most smartphones allow you to store details such as your name, allergies, medical conditions, and current medications directly on the lock screen. This means paramedics or bystanders can access this information even if your phone is locked, without needing your passcode.

Next, add your emergency contacts. These are the people who should be called first if something happens to you, such as a family member or close friend. On both iPhone and Android devices, you can list several contacts so help can reach the right people quickly.

Many phones also include a built-in SOS or emergency call feature. On an iPhone, pressing the side button several times in quick succession can trigger a call to emergency services and alert your chosen contacts with your location. Android phones often have a similar feature, usually activated by pressing the power button multiple times. It is worth practising this gently at home so you are familiar with how it works, without accidentally calling emergency services.

Location sharing is another setting worth turning on. Allowing trusted family members to see your location, even occasionally, can bring peace of mind for everyone and help responders find you faster if needed.

It is also sensible to increase your font size and turn on accessibility features if you find small text or buttons difficult to use. A phone is only useful in an emergency if you can actually read and operate it comfortably under stress.

Finally, keep your phone charged and within reach, especially at home. A fully charged phone with the right emergency settings in place is far more useful than one sitting flat in another room.

Setting up these features does not take long, but it could genuinely save precious time in a crisis. Encourage a family member to help you check these settings today so you feel confident and prepared no matter what happens.