hello, it's karen here again - does anyone know where i can buy assisted technology tools for my mum & has anyone had experience of things that are great
thanks
Karen
thanks
Karen
jenniferpa said:When my mother first had her strokes, I was convinced that there must be some things out there that would make it easier for her to manage everyday tasks. Unfortunately, even the most basic "new" task requires some level of learning - press this button, do this when you hear that etc. and sadly, that is now beyond her. I even got something that when you approach it, it plays a recorded message (this was for the front door) but even that confused her. I got her a speaking radio (i.e. when you touch it, it tells you what to do) but that was beyond her. She has even forgotten how to do things that previously she did every day (e.g. turn on the TV). Her situation is a little different to an AD sufferer - one day she was fine, the next she wasn't, and the brain damage that comes with a stroke, particularly in an 89 year old, isn't really possible to work around.
So, if you do find something that will help with your particular situation, see if you can try it out before committing to major outlay. Low tech items can be more helpful - a key safe so that you (and other carers) can open a locked door, motion detector lights for those night time bathroom visits - that sort of thing. I personal dislike those emergency alarm systems - we had no end of trouble with misconnected phones, phones left off the hook tying up the line, but others have had more success.
Jennifer
Lynne said:I've found the same with my Mum. New phone with "one-touch" memory - after a year, she still can't use the shortcode; fortunately she can still dial the old way so far! New radio with preset stations, again one-touch; uh uh, still twiddles the tuner knob backwards & forwards for ages. New (louder) door bell for back door - almost invariably goes to front door (which she doesn't use) first. Goodness knows I don't mind spending money for things which can improve matters, but it's very galling to see expensive 'good ideas' cause nothing but additional confusion (Mum) and frustration (me) to no good effect.