Communication Aids

[Tundrahawk]

My wife is losing the ability to speak. The disease has taken away the use of her limbs. She’s been evaluated for “Eye Gaze” technology (like Steven Hawking) but coordination between scanning and button selection did not work for her. Any thoughts on a direction for communication would be appreciated

Thanks

[Dadshelper]

I am not sure what devices may work. Ultimately for dad it came down to playing 20 questions, hand squeezes etc to figure out what he was trying to communicate.

Ron

[Tundrahawk]

Ok thanks Ron,

[enjoysalud]

For me, to watch the progression of the disease (PSP) was difficult....often it seemed sudden and not gradual.

My son, even when unable to move without help, could still move his arms and his thumb. He often pointed and then I would answer with 21 possibilities. Yes and No was easier in that he used his thumb pointing UP for YES and Down for NO.

[Hidden]

Hi Tundrahawk

You may try eye blinking for yes or no... as well as thumbs up or down.

A picture board might be helpful... as well as asking twenty questions.

Checking older post can be most helpful. There are modern gadgets like phone apps (that l know nothing about). Best wishes as you do your search.

Sending gentle hugs... Granni B

[Tundrahawk]

Thanks everyone so much for your replies. My wife actually has CBD but the symptoms seem to be similar.

I’ve learned to deal with it one day at a time.

All the best

Jim

[Tundrahawk]

Does anyone have any experience with this product?

visuals.tech

My wife was assessed with a Toby Dynavox last summer but it didn’t work for her. This system is supposed to work differently and is a fraction of the cost.

[AJK2001]

Find thumbs up/down and hand squeezes (one for yes, two for no) works quite well but can be a long process working out what Mum wants and she does get fed up with it and can't be bothered sometimes - she has her own hand signal for that one, dismissing us with a wave of her hand.

Finding lack of communication and Mum's lack of appetite some of the hardest things to deal with.

[Nanny857]

Hi, our Speech and Language Therapist printed out the alphabet, numbers, Yes, No, on one side of an A4 size paper and on the reverse, phrases W would say frequently, e.g. Will you get me my newspaper; are you making tea/coffee; take me to toilet; what time is dinner. Also names of family members, friends and GP. It was laminated so can be wiped clean. W can point and spell out what he wants to say. This a temporary measure as we are waiting for appointment to look at technology. Love, Nanny857xx