Communication

One of those wee things in Life that we Take For Granted. When we can, that is.

Domino Joe was a sheet metal worker, and now has significant hearing loss – or, as he would put it “Ah’m deef” (not a spelling mistake, but his accent). He usually has a hearing aid, wears it when I or TH put it in and turn it on – but then DJ still outwits us because he rarely listens. But that’s another story.

A result of his last ‘Respite’ stay was losing his hearing aid. So we are awaiting his second replacement within a year.

(A previous ‘Respite’ put that hearing aid into the washing machine. It didn’t do too well. They wanted US to claim on OUR insurance ! We didn’t. Eventually they did.)

Meantime, ingenuity rules – gain DJ’s attention, devise a way of holding his attention and of delivering required information. Did he understand – yes – but not what you said – marvellous the alternative versions he can find. Try again…..

If you do – or have – lived with dementia, I am sure you will know about this.

We mostly get thru this problem with a 'write on/wipe off' board - marvellous things (except when the pens all run out at the same time and you've not bought any spares......). Saves trees.

For the 'Regular Reminders' we use printed and laminated sheets. Saves Carer.

We should have gotten his new hearing aid yesterday afternoon. But – well – you’ve guessed – No. So another w/e without DJ hearing…… but also – look on the bright side – another w/e for Mr Mutt without the Whine Which Beats All Whines…….