I have a similar problem in that my Mum goes through phases of persistently calling directory enquiries: a similarly expensive habit!
I am grateful for Nitram's suggestion about Network Controlled calling. I think it would sort our particular problem. Perhaps it would for you too.
Mum doesn't make the calls because she feels lonely and wants reassurance, I don't think. It is just that she can't remember the outcome of the call she has just made. This is usually that she has failed to get the number she wants because she has been unable to supply enough information to the operator. We put the few numbers she uses on sheets of paper around the place, by the phone, in her bag, stuck to the wall etc, but sometimes she still doesn't find them.
Perhaps your Mum just phones again and again because she has forgotten the time already and is stuck in one of those loops of needing to know. If that is the case, the RNIB clock sounds a fine idea, IF she can learn how to use it!
Good luck with this one. Although I'm sorry you have the problem, I was comforted to know I am not the only one that spends loads of time trying to solve these mad little issues!
Allycat x
