Communicating with someone in hospital who can type but not speak

[jsp5642]

Hi,

I have a relative in hospital who is asleep in intensive care but who might soon more to a tracheostomy and be able to type but not speak. The person is unlikely to have much ability at all to handle complex technology and didn't previously like using a mobile phone.

We would like to help the hospital staff by finding some way that the person could send text messages or text chat messages to family when they wake up.

I wondered if anyone might know what is the best way to do this? We sense that the hospital staff are probably very busy and don't want to bother them with questions.

It is a non-covid ward.

Thanks!

Texting on a mobile phone will be the easiest way if you're wanting them to communicate with family outside the hospital. My daughter has little speech but lives independently & that's how she stays in touch with us. When she's with us, or out and about, she used an app card Proloquo2go on her iPad or phone.

I would think an iPad would be easier than a mobile phone but that’s maybe because I’m assuming it’s an older person.

Hospital should have speech therapists working with trache patients to help develop communication when they come round - ask to speak to one of them.

It might be they can trial a speaking valve when they're more stable on the trache as well.

Hi Corrie,

Thanks, yes it's an older person. Would skype chat on an ipad be an easy option? I've never tried that.

There should be a speech and language therapist and/or occupational therapist attached to the ward who should be able to help and come up with suggestions.

I would think an ipad would be better. There are simplified apps which might make it easier for texting/communicating. They might be able to lend you a device to trial.

You can refer to the hospital speech and language therapy service who should be able to offer support looking at options