Can you mumsnetters help? Need some info

[moominsmummy]

This is about my FIL who has rapidly progressing dementia - he really struggles with language now but I am sure he still wants to communicate - he can point at things to indicate what he wants
Is there a communication board you can get - with basic pictures on it - indicating thirst, hunger, toilet needs, pain etc? as i think he could use this to tell us what's happening.
I have no idea where to start looking for one but figured that the best knowledge in the world resides within the collective brains of mumsnetters!
thanks

Hi,

There are loads of different symbols available - some are expensive though! Off the top of my head do2learn has free symbols to download or google winslow or inclusive technologys. Ispeek is available from ebay and isn't too expensive.

But I do have another suggestion which might work for longer. Take photographs of everything! People he knows places, things - photos are easier to understand than symbols and relate to specific things in his life.

You can get communication software that converts symbols to writing but this is very expensive and may not be right for your situation.

Hope this is of help

Yes, you could try a grown up version of PECs (www.pyramid.co.uk probably) but agree with Blu that photos would be great or cut out things from mags.

I'm a salt and you really need a salt to assess your fil and help you organise an alternative/augmentative systen.

Ssk for,nay insist on a salt referral from GP or some dept even allow self referral.

Luckily,waiting lists for adults aren't too long,but if you are in a real hurry,you could contact someone privately.I would give you a link to bona fide salts.

Loads of simple aids available.
If you are really confident,you could try having a look at Winslow Press website.They produce a great 'in house' catalogue for salts.Hang on...

makaton, now called sign-a-long, is based on BSL (British Sign Language) and was invented for childrena d the elderly. Very simple signs to learn and use.

have a look here..go to Special Needs then Alternative and Augmentative Communication

It doesn't show up everything that is in the catalogue-give them a ring and ask for advice and a paper copy.

My colleagues who work in this field (and me to a certain extent) use special diaries/mats which contain most useful symbols.

The best symbol package to make your own stuff is Widgit:Writing with Symbols which allows you to type in a word and then brings up a picture automatically. Pricey (£100??) and quite time consuming unless you are really used to this stuff thus much ewasier and quicker to get a salt's assistance.

Salts in independent practice

Thanks folks - will probably have a go with the photos ideas -
He is deteriorating so rapidly that it's probably not worth trying to order stuff or spend loads on it - photos is a brill idea though as he can point to an actual picture not a representation of the thing (which I think he may struggle with)
thankyou thankyou thankyou!
btw, what is a SALT?
will ask for a referral but he is in hospital at the moment and we have enough problems trying to get them to ensure he drinks enough and has his continence pads changed often enough

speech and language therapist

In such circumstances,the salt is often responsible for feeding and drinking issues (dysphagia) and communication issues.

There should be a salt attached to the hospital.ASK WHERE HE/SHE IS.

If it was my FIL it's the first thing I would be doing.

Just bumping this as I saw an article about a new "product" developed by the Alzheimer Society. The article says:

" An online screensaver and social network for people with Alzheimer's has won a Microsoft-led software design award...... 'Memories are Made of This' includes a screen saver which carers could use as a memory prompt, uploading text, images and video clips. The concept will now be turned into an actual product.... The idea behind the design was to help carers and those with Alzheimer's to remember important facts about their lives..."

If you are intersted, maybe look at AS website or contact them? I imagine it as something on a computer screen with photos of people/things of particular importance to that person that they can look at or choose or be asked if they want etc?????

Sorry to hear about you FIL. It's great to hear that you are trying to help him communicate.
I used to work with people with dementia and can understand your battle to get hold of good care and services.since having a DS with severe communication problems I have discovered, using pictures for communication, PECS, etc and so wish I had known about them when i was working.
Perhaps the easiest way to start is to get out the digital camera. If you are familier with powerpoint it is quite easy to make cars/ sheets without ordering software. Laminate the sheets/ pictures or put them inside a book with see through plastic pockets to make them durable.
It might be worth looking atthis well if you have time as you could put in a little more personal information which would help those caring for him get to know him a bit better, & you can incorporate pictures for pointing.
When my gran had dementia we made her a family album with a simple family tree at the front so that people who were getting to know her could use it to communicate with her, also useful if a family member phones the hospital, staff can point and then pass on message.
Good luck, you are doing a great job !

should add I'm a nurse not a SALt, though rather shy to admit it given the state of basic care it sounds as though your FIL is receiving. Though hopefully if you can help him find a 'voice' it might make it harder for them to ignore his needs!