Hypno's "me, me, me, me, me," diary.....

pania

word cards... like you teach children to read with.

put some out in various locations in a set like "i'd like a cup of tea" or " could i have something to eat in the kitchen, dot them round the house, be inventive then she can point to which ever pile of cards says what she wants to say.

Very basic but will take care of her basic needs until something better can be sorted xxx

beanielou

Thats an excellent idea.
My mind just dosent work like that.

ZTD

Deleted_User wrote: »

Thought I would put this request in a separate email as it's a request for advice.

A friend has fallen and broken both wrists. Her first language is sign language. The fractures mean she is now unable to communicate. We're hoping that once the pain is under control she'll be able to type messages on a laptop, though we appreciate this will be slow.

The question is does anyone know how someone in a hard cast can hold a pen - there's rather a lot of plaster between thumb and finger so that gripping a pen doesn't look likely.

Any ideas anyone has any ideas or suggestions about how we can go on from here I'd be delighted to know

Stick on velcro on the pen and the cast. Though it's more "gripping a magi-marker" rather than gripping a pen - there's not much feeling in a plastercast.

You could make it a dry-marker - so it can be used time and again.

How's she manage that? Was it ice?

[Deleted User]

Thanks for the responses - there are a lot of us sourcing information as to the best way forward and it's good to get objective reactions. Thank you! It appears holding a pen isn't going to be possible in the first instance.

Em's speech is as Hypno describes, so OK for those who have decent hearing - unfortunately, most of us close friends are deaf to some degree :rolleyes: The plan is for Em's cousin (hearing) to stay with her for the next few weeks to provide practical care with washing, cooking etc. We're all aware of potential frustrations over communication and hope to help Em retain her sense of humour

Since Em's not really going to be on her own because of practical needs, it may be that communication may be the least of her issues, at least at first. Her facial expressions are brilliant (think :eek: ) so we'll soon get the message as to how she feels :rotfl:

Thanks for all responses, much appreciated.

hypno06

I guess there is just going to be a lot of trial and error involved, hiphouse - frustrating at times, but downright hilarious at other times when you try and escort her to the bathroom, when what she is actually asking for is a glass of water :rotfl:

[Deleted User]

Thanks Pania, sentence cards would be great :A This is one way of giving Em some control back - I'm sure we can create some basic ones as you suggest - as Hypno says, its about us making the effort, not always her. However, if she can let us know what she wants us to write on additional sentence cards then I'm sure it'll make her feel better. Considering Em likes her own space, I'm almost certain one of the first sentence cards will be 'Please leave me on my own" - abbreviated to "p!55 orf" :rotfl:

Thanks ZTD, I'll share the suggestion of the velcro - might be helpful when the pain has subsided. There was no drama behind the fractures, just a simple slip on ice on the pavement, she just put both hands out behind her to break the fall and they both broke :eek:

Em's already part of the local deaf community, which is really pulling together to try and get the best for Em.

I'm off out now, so won't be back online for a while. THANK YOU again for all your suggestions.

skint_spice

Could the sentence cards include "that would be an eccumenical matter"...:D

This ice and snow is horrible - so many people with breaks and fractures.

ZTD

skint_spice wrote: »

Could the sentence cards include "that would be an eccumenical matter"...:D

This ice and snow is horrible - so many people with breaks and fractures.

The main hospital in Carlisle ran out of plaster - that shows how bad it must be...

[Deleted User]

hypno06 wrote: »

I guess there is just going to be a lot of trial and error involved, hiphouse - frustrating at times, but downright hilarious at other times when you try and escort her to the bathroom, when what she is actually asking for is a glass of water :rotfl:

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

Thankfully Em's legs are fine so she won't need escorting I can be assured she'll get the message across very fast if we don't get it right :eek::rotfl: At times like this you realise communication is as much/more about facial expressions than language, but as you say hilarious times! :rotfl:

Thanks for the laugh - you've painted quite a picture

Right... must dash....

savingmore

sorry to hear about your friend hiphouse, although i am so impressed by all the ideas that have come forth, what an imaginative lot you all are, i wouldn't have thought of alot of those.... wisdom in a multitude of counsellors i think...
i LOVE this thread:j:j:j:j:j:j:j