What Now?

[Broostine93]

Hi,

Are there any communication devices that aren't 'techy' (i.e. ipad) that aren't just the standard spelling boards?

We're getting close to the point now where writing things down will not be a viable option and I don't think anything gadget-y will be taken to very willingly.

Thank you!

[Ellie]

Would your Gran's hands be good enough to type, Chrissie?

There is something called a Lightwriter - here is a short video of it in use:

There are lots of low-tech printable communication boards available online. You'd probably have to do a bit of research to find which ones would best suit your Gran, then print out some and laminate them (or make your own)

This is an example of what I mean:

https://saltillo.com/downloads/chat/low-tech-communication-board-options/SINGLE%20PAGE%2096%20location_WP%2060%20basic%20SS%20communication%20board%20with%20blanks.pdf

https://aaccommunity.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Core-Board-63-Location-MJ-symbo.pdf

Has she access to an SLT?

Love Ellie.

[Terry]

Hi Broostine,

She has got the option of using some sort of tech thing and being able to communicate with most people or using boards type thing which is slow and limited to who you can communicate with.

Some tech is a bit simpler than tablet computers but a lot more expensive. You probably have a tablet that you can download a talking app for her to try.

Lightwiter's are a bit simpler than tablets.

Get the speech therapist involved as they might be help with things and ideas.

Love Terry

[Broostine93]

Hi Both,

Thank you for replying

The Lightwriter looks good- I'll have to suggest it and see what the response is. Failing that, it'll have to be the communication boards, I guess.

I tried a tablet with a speech app a few weeks back with Gran- she wasn't interested in it at all, unfortunately (I'm not surprised- she wouldn't/couldn't even learn how to use the simplest of mobile phones!)

To be honest, the SLT is rubbish. She hasn't been around for 3 weeks- even then, she's only just been 'forced' into advising the nursing home that Gran needs pureed food (after she'd been choking on nearly every mouthful of food for about 2 months beforehand and only even then because I phoned the palliative team with a massive list of concerns). The SLT has done nothing other than to say 'just continue doing what you're doing', regarding Gran's speech (even though she's been barely legible for weeks). It got to the point where Gran was so 'pressured/upset' by the SLT that the SLT told her she had a 'bad attitude' and Gran had to write to her to stop bullying her (I'm never there for the SLT visits as she goes during the day when I am at work, so I can't see what her behaviour is really like).

Thank you both for your suggestions It's good to know there's a couple of options to try

[MNDConnect]

Hi Broostine

Ellie and Terry have given some really good suggestions. A lightwriter is quite simple to use and can be a really effective way to communicate that uses technology but isn't difficult to learn to use.

I'm not sure what your Gran's hand dexterity is like. There is an aid called a Boogie Board which is a bit like an electronic note pad. You use a stylus to write on it and can click a button and it erases what you've written.

With your Gran's permission, we'd be happy to speak to her SLT to help them to provide a suitable communication aid. We do have lightwriters which we can loan and if one would be suitable for your Gran then we'd certainly be happy to speak to the SLT to help her to organise this.

Best Wishes
Rachel
MND Connect Adviser

[Broostine93]

Hi Rachel,

It would be brilliant if you guys could speak to her SLT to suggest communication aids. I think the lightwriter might be a hit. What details do you need from me?

Thank you

[MNDConnect]

Hi Broostine

Please could you send me the SLT's name and telephone number by email to [email protected] or give me a ring on 0808 802 6262.

If your Gran is happy for me to know her name and address, that would be helpful as well please and I'll ring the SLT this afternoon.

Best Wishes
Rachel
MND Connect Adviser

[miranda]

I'm not sure if this has already been suggested - type out a list of often used phrases for Gran to,point to. Also I think MNDA have a fact sheet about this (I suspect Kayleigh will be good at accessing it).

[Kayleigh]

This is a link to the MNDA's Understanding My Needs booklet (which I think Miranda is referring to?):-

http://https://static.mndassociation.org/app/uploads/2017/05/19135707/understanding-my-needs-interactive.pdf

And 'Amy's Speech Therapy' website which includes downloadable communication boards:-

http://https://www.amyspeechlanguagetherapy.com/communication-boards.html

Best wishes
Kayleigh

[Broostine93]

Thanks, guys

Rachel- I've PM'd you directly.

Miranda- I'd not even thought about doing something as simple as that (brain has a way of blocking out the simplest of solutions sometimes, doesn't it?)

Kayleigh- Those boards are brilliant, thank you

Thank you all so much

[Kayleigh]

Thanks, guys

Kayleigh- Those boards are brilliant, thank you

Thank you all so much

Hi Broostine and Ellie,

I'm glad you found the website useful. I can't take all the credit though because I found out about the 'Amy's Speech Therapy' website from Ellie (who posted about it earlier this year) - and so many thanks to Ellie from me too!

Love
Kayleigh x

[Ellie]

Well, I wasn't going to say, Kayleigh xx

[Terry]

Now, now girls, put your handbags and nails away and be friends. LOL

Hi Broostine;

I think that you can still get talking things that will store five short sentences, with five buttons. You can record anything on it. Might be handy, just a thought.

Love Terry

[Kayleigh]

Well, I wasn't going to say, Kayleigh xx

.... I wouldn't mind if you had said! - because ....

in the words of Whitney Houston "I learned from the best!"

Or, in the words of Comedienne Kayleigh "You are the fountain of all knowledge and I am the field of all varieties of corn" LOL

Hugs
Kayleigh x

[Broostine93]

Hi Terry,

That's another great idea- thank you

I spoke to my Gran last night about the communication boards and the Lightwriter. She seems open to both (with a resounding 'but not yet!'), which is good news. As suspected, the idea of a tablet/ipad was swiftly shot down, but it's nice to be able to throw some options out there