It's quite difficult to have any conversation when he cannot answer questions. He is in a nursing facility and it's difficult for us both. I am a senior and know his inability to speak makes him sad. I had a thought to try and use children's flash cards. Alpha and Numeric. And ask him to pick out the letters to spell his name. THIS just to see if he has understanding of what I speak. Or to pick the numbers I speak on command. My question is, Do you think this would have him feel this demeaning for him? Due to his anger issues I cannot bring him home and feel safe.
My father went through the same thing. He is fully aware. The problem isn't understanding it's making the words come out. The children's flash cards would possibly insult him and I know that isn't the intention.
Best could be using flash cards in the short term (normal adult ones) and get him speech therapy for the long term.
I've been there it's difficult. Probably more so for him. Imagine being unable to communicate yet being mentally 'all there'
@Sibo191 It does give a huge smile. I even suggested we go to his room and I could gift him a BJ. With a very sad expression he pointed and indicated he wasn't able. I assumed it might be they may give a medication to prevent the men form errections?
@Carla1951: I wouldn't know. But doubt that specifically. Between the huge trauma of the stroke along with the stressful situation plus the mix of meds he is getting probably has a negative effect on Mr winky
Aww....I'm sorry. Anything to help him communicate is worth a try. The ability to make his thoughts and feelings known might very possibly help with his anger and frustration issues.
It is too much work for me to bring him home. PLUS my home is NOT Wheel Chair accessible. To leave him home alone even for a quick run to the store, would be like leaving an infant alone.
@PTCdresser57 What did you try? Or did your family decide to place him in a nursing home. I have to pay $2,400 a moth to keep him in his assisted living facility.
First of all, do not feel guilty because he's not home. It's too much to handle even with no anger issues. Isn't a speech Therapist working with him at the facility? They should be. She can determine if there is hope he will speak again and responsible for finding alternative ways to communicate. It's her JOB.
This may be something you already know, but there are a few great (IMO) TED talks about strokes and neurological disorders. Just search "TED talks stroke" and an interesting list will appear. Like ....