What do you do when you have lost your hearing and sight?

[randyjaco]

I am not looking for sympathy and this is a valid question that is affecting my mother. She has been an active 96-year-old woman in an out of state nursing home. About 2 weeks ago she had a mild stroke. The result has been that she lost most of her eyesight and hearing. My first thought was that I cannot communicate with her without going to her. Then I talked with my brother who lives in the same town. He said that he has great difficulty talking to her in person. Then I started thinking about her situation. What happens to a person when they lose those two primary senses? It has got to be something like being condemned to terminal solitary confinement. Is there any way to overcome this situation? Is there some technology that might help. She already has a reader phone that she can no longer read and high dollar hearing aids that are no longer effective.

Randy

 

[Tom1948]

I dont know your religious beliefs but at 96 I would just pray for a painless relatively fast death. I wish you the best of luck with it all.

 

[jwmay]

There are magnification sheets that can be placed over written documents to enlarge the print. Writing letters to her may help.

 

[markba633csi]

I appreciate your (and her) situation. Actually, if I was that old I think I would welcome the peace and quiet
Best regards
Mark

 

[randyjaco]

With my handwriting, no amount of magnification would make it legible B-}
Probably typing her a letter would be a better option. Good suggestion and worth a try.
Thanks
Randy

 

[silence dogood]

Every time that a family member or friend visits her, hold her hand.

 

[Jubil]

With my handwriting, no amount of magnification would make it legible B-}
Probably typing her a letter would be a better option. Good suggestion and worth a try.
Thanks
Randy

That's a good idea but use a computer that you can enlarge the text. It may help.

Chuck

 

[Janderso]

Poor thing, that's awful. My mom is 86, she is sharp as a tack but can's see or hear much anymore.
Getting old ain't for wimps.
I'm sorry for your situation, we love our mums.

 

[JPar]

Would she be interested in learning Braille? That would allow her to read Braille books and other publications. And, I believe there are devices that enable communication with someone who understands Braille. I know nothing about these devices, but a quick search turned up this:
http://www.lagardecommunication.com/deafblind/screenbraillecommunicator_en.html

 

[randyjaco]

At 96 going on 97, I don't think she is going to be able to learn it, but I will ask. It would be an excellent suggestion for somebody younger.

Randy