Jeff Lauer suggested:
“There is a work around not the best, but it will work.
….. Snipped …..
If your home button is inoperative, you can reboot the phone use your passcode to get access; you can now go to one application only so pick settings.
First got to display and brightness set Auto lock to never
Next in settings select Accessibility then select touch. Now turn on assistive touch and set up 2nd tap for app switcher there is now a new home button on the screen.
To close any application double tap the new home button swipe and close applications
….. Remainer Snipped …..
I did this, but:
1- I didn’t disable Autolock
2- I did ‘Turn on the Assistive Touch”. It is sufficient to get going.
It does add more steps for most operations, but I’d rather do this than caugh up hard-earned cash to Apple.
Maurice