Try: #a communication board is a sheet of paper or poster board marked off with squares each of which frames a picture and or word releated to a frequent or predictable need for example toilet food nurse television bed blanket ambulance water coffee or tea bed pan shower newspaper razor etc a cr with difficulty speaking can point to a picture or word on the board to communicate his or her need #make a communication board by taking appropriate pictures from magazines or printing them off from a computer #use the ruler and marker to draw a grid on the poster board mount a picture in each square write a descriptive word under each picture tailor the size of the squares to the cr cr’s eyesight and ability to control hand movements larger squares will be easier for a cr with poor eyesight or hand control to use than small ones use both sides of the board and if necessary make several boards and hold them together on a keychain #laminate the communication board at a copy shop to make it stain-resistant #keep the communication board close to the cr cr’s hand

Materials: Poster board notebook-sized magazines with pictures or clip art scissors glue ruler black marker access to laminator keychain if necessary

Categories: Communication, Medical Physical, Mobility, Needs Some Assistance, Independence, So-So Vision, Verbal Communication, Poor Verbal Comm, Cognitive Awareness, Fully Aware, Long-Term Memory, So-So L T Memory, Short-Term Memory, So-So S T Memory

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*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: #use the cr’s name to begin and throughout a conversation to gain and hold the cr’s attention #if the cr is comfortable being touched touch the cr cr’s forearm or hand when speaking #look at the cr’s face when you speak speak in a clear voice at a medium speed and tone #be mindful of your body’s language does it convey openness to listening put yourself at an equal level with the cr don’t stand if the cr is seated #notice the cr’s body language does the cr seem focused or unfocussed on the conversation with you does the cr seem uncomfortable physically or emotionally #keep in mind that disability conditions or cultural taboos may contribute to a cr’s lack of eye contact you can state your preference for eye contact or ask if the cr will meet your eyes but don’t try to force the cr to hold your gaze

Materials: Interactive caregiver attention to other kinds of body language

Categories: Communication, Mobility, Needs Some Assistance, Needs Much Assistance, Immobile, Independence, No Supervision, Some Supervision, Maximum Supervision, Vision, Good Vision, Cognitive Awareness, Fully Aware, Somewhat Aware, Long-Term Memory, Good L T Memory, So-So L T Memory, Poor L T Memory, Short-Term Memory, Good S T Memory, So-So S T Memory, Poor S T Memory

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*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: #the adult child buys a digital picture frame and checks to see how many pictures it can hold #the adult child gathers photos to share with the distant parent cr and has them digitalized this can be done at home with proper software or at a photo service #once digitalized the photos are put onto the digital picture frame #after the digital frame is set up the adult child sends it to the cr along with a package of batteries if required #the digital frame displays a changing series of photos the adult child wants to share many crs will particularly enjoy pictures of grandchildren if any

Materials: Caregiver pictures old and new that adult child wants to share digital picture frame sold at most department stores digital camera sold at electronic and department stores batteries if needed phone with speaker feature

Categories: Communication, Social

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*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Cell phones with voice activated dialing may be helpful for care recipients crs who have trouble remembering numbers or using a landline phone for other reasons cell phones are small and can be carried in a pocket around the house or outside some phones are relatively inexpensive although their monthly operating fees rates and conditions vary from company to company to set up the telephone key in the numbers for contact people friends doctors etc ask the cr to say the person’s name and according to the phone’s directions attach the verbal tag to the number once the phone is programmed it will dial the numbers upon voice command eliminating the need for the cr to remember or enter the numbers with each call assist the cr to practice using the phone until you and the cr are confident the phone can be used properly

Materials: Cellular phone with voice activated dialing available at electronic stores or discount stores

Categories: Communication, Emotional Psychological, Medical Physical, Mobility, Mobile, Independence, Some Supervision, Hearing, Good Hearing, Touch, Good Touch, Verbal Communication, Good Verbal Comm, So-So Verbal Comm, Cognitive Awareness, Fully Aware, Somewhat Aware, Long-Term Memory, Good L T Memory, So-So L T Memory, Poor L T Memory, Short-Term Memory, Good S T Memory, So-So S T Memory, Poor S T Memory

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*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Getting a conversation started say hello and use the cr’s name or your name for them mom dad start with an icebreaker like i’m so happy to see you you look very nice today i love that color on you or what’s happening with you today ending a conversation without hurting feelings end on a positive note – i enjoyed visiting with you so much affirm the cr i always feel good after talking with you seeing you is the best part of my day or i like listening to your stories and laughing with you; you are so much fun avoid open-ended questions that require a lot of explanation don’t say – what television programs do you like do say – would you like to watch television don’t say – tell me a story about when you were little do say – do you feel like telling me a story now when to touch or not touch the best way is to just ask do say -i’m really in the mood for a hug; how about you may i hold your hand may i give you a kiss on the cheek before i go when the cr is forgetful and repetitive don’t say – you just told me that story do say – it’s okay you will think of it later i love that story; i’m glad you reminded me or relax; it will come to you later say no without saying no do say – i wish i could that would be nice; maybe another day we can that’s a good idea but i can’t today or i will look into that for you

Materials: Patience love and humor way of talking that accepts the cr’s reality

Categories: Communication

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*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Have a switch installed that hooks the doorbell switch to the light bulb socket place a brightly colored light bulb in the socket so that when the doorbell rings the bulb will light up and the cr will know someone has arrived if no one is available who can hook up such as system then separate units can be purchased from the internet or stores with supplies for deaf people that will have a similar function be sure to place the flashing unit somewhere will see it most times of the day

Materials: Wiring to hook doorbell switch to lamp or other light source or standalone unit that replaces existing doorbell and lights up when the button is pushed

Categories: Communication, So-So Hearing, Poor Hearing

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*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Maintain eye contact with the cr open book point to picture or word in book speak slowly and simply in normal tone of voice ask the cr to tell you what the word or picture is give the cr adequate time to answer don’t tell the cr the word or picture unless he or she asks you to ask the cr to repeat if you don’t understand

Materials: Book with pictures colors shapes book with words flash cards with pictures or words

Categories: Communication, So-So Verbal Comm

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*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Tell the cr that in order to understand each other better you have some ideas for improved communication get each other other’s attention by calling his or her name face each other when speaking make eye contact when speaking keep hands and other objects away from mouth when speaking speak in normal tone of voice repeat back what the other person has said to ensure the message was effectively received ask the cr for any other suggestions for better communication

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Categories: Communication, So-So Hearing, Poor Hearing

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*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: #kindly reveal that you have noticed this problem and suggest that the cr try to use the bathroom every hour #encourage the cr to cut down on caffeinated beverages #hang a dry erase board or a piece of paper with a strung pencil in the bathroom with two columns for wet and dry this is optional #ask the cr to check his or her clothes when in the bathroom each hour and place a checkmark in one of the columns #discuss wearing pads if accidents continue to happen after one week of going to the bathroom every hour #talk with the cr about the comfort he or she will have in knowing clothes are dry this will relieve anxiety embarrassment and it will keep the skin healthy wet skin can cause rashes and discomfort communicate that you do not want the cr to experience this #encourage the cr to continue using the bathroom hourly even if pads are worn

Materials: Dry erase board optional incontinence pads or pull-ups

Categories: Communication, Emotional Psychological, Personal, Mobility, Mobile, Independence, No Supervision

Information: n/a

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Keywords: n/a

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: #ask simple questions that can be answered with a yes or no #ask a question and write a number of possible answers to it allow the Care recipient (cr) to see choices and pick out an answer #make questions easy to understand and answer speak so that what you are asking is clear #don’t assume that the cr doesn’t understand you if his or her side of a conversation is slow give the cr time to speak without trying to finish the cr cr’s sentences #check your understanding of what the cr is saying by repeating what you think the cr said and asking if you’ve understood the cr correctly #don’t hurry careful watching and listening will lessen the cr’s frustration and increase your understanding

Materials: Patience

Categories: Communication, Medical Physical

Information: n/a

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*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed