Communication Aids for Seniors

Communication is an important aspect of healthy and independent living. Communication not only involves talking and writing but we also need to listen, watch, sense and read language.

Some seniors experience decreased senses (vision, hearing). Communication aids can make communication easier.

Some communication aids and tips include:

Talking:

• speech devices that display message on screen
• picture based computer or print based systems
• typewriters
• letter and symbol boards
• voice amplifiers

Reading:

• ensure proper lighting
• use a magnifier - consider a magnifier with a built in light
• page turners - books and other media in audio format (audio books)

Hearing:

• hearing aids
• headset amplifiers
• door bell and telephone conversion (light and bell signals)

Writing:

• pens and pencils that are thicker or wrapped in rubber so that it is easier to grasp
• heavier pens and pencils are easier to use for people who have shaky hands
• heavy lined paper and a thick pen tip for those with decreased vision
• a computer as you can increase the font and can print in large thick font
• computers can also have adapted keyboards, mouses, accessible programs (large font, etc) and even voice recognition programs that translate voice into text

Radio/Television:

• large remote control
• large TV screen
• use captioning option on TV

Telephone:

• amplified telephone
• large buttons and display on phone
• picture based speed dial buttons
• voice operated telephone
• loud ringer and/or light based signal
• teletypewriter (TTY) device for those who are hearing impaired