I usually add telephone jacks by connecting one previously installed
jack to

Why do you need a jack for your telephone? Is it really that heavy?
I have never seen the need for a jack, I just pick my phone up and
carry it. However, if you really do need a jack for it, any
automotive bumper jack or hydraulic floor jack should lift a
telephone.


Good point. Someone else brought up the same point to me. I'm assuming
you mean why not use a cordless phone and carry it around with you. The
basic reason is the phone is used by my elderly father. He has
difficulty hearing. And, no matter how clear these cordless phones are,
they generally don't match the clarity and/or loudness of a corded
phone. Also, the cordless phones bring with them other problems, like
they run out of charge and must be put back in the recharge unit. And,
carrying them around is a nuisance and difficult for someone walking
with a cane or walker. That said, he does have a cordless phone. With
more jacks installed he doesn't need to carry the cordless phone around
everywhere he walks to in the house. Plus, one less wire extension
running across the middle of the floor (to support one of the current
corded phone he uses) decreases the chances of him tripping.

By the way, he uses a block and tackle to lift up one of his phones:-)

Noting his disability problems, why not get an answering machine to take
messages? He could call back to anyone that he wanted to talk to when he
was able to get there, and not try to run to answer what probably would
be the telemarketers calls.



He does use the answering machine from time to time. Generally, it is
best he answers his calls as he is generally available to talk. Those
who call often have busy schedules and this is an ideal time for them to
reach him. As for the telemarketers, I wish there were more of them. He
doesn't get many calls.
Hi,
There are some cordless handsets with speaker-phone mode. With push of a
button, it gets LOUD and talk without holding the HS close to mouth.
Also you can tailor your voice or sound for better hearing.
Tony

Thanks Tony, that might be a good idea. He has a cordless answering machine
with a speaker phone mode. It makes sense to put it where he sits most of
the day. That way, in case he misses any calls he won't have to get up to
check for his messages. I don't know how he will like using speaker-phone
mode. I am going to have him test it out.