Audio card to family member with dementia (abroad) what to put in it?

Tesslynne
Tesslynne Online Community Member Posts: 81 Contributor
in Families and carers

Please let me know if I need to move this to the mental health section as it is about dementia. But it's also family so I wasn't sure!

So, someone in my family asked me to record in a card for a family member with dementia. He's also visually impaired. I don't even know if he can see anything. I have sent aural cards before for celebrations. This time it's more of a general one though. He is in hospital, I don't know for how long. I don't necessarily want to mention the hospital part or get well. I just don't know what to put in the card. At all. I don't know whether to say something like. "Hi (name) from (my name) your (relation) I hope you are having a lovely day. I hope you find things to make you smile and laugh today. Lots of love. (name) or similar? I think he has good days and bad days too in terms of how he is from the dementia. Anyway, I'd love any suggestions and I will also ask a dementia charity. I live in the UK and I have my own long term health condition, but this post is about a family member. Who lives abroad. I don't know when I will be able to afford to go and visit next so I don't want to mention that either. Thanks for any help, it's massively appreciated!

Comments

  • Mary_Scope
    Mary_Scope Posts: 1,700 Scope Online Community Children and Family Specialists

    Hi @Tesslynne

    That sounds like a lovely idea and that sounds a like very thoughtful message to send!

    I also found this information on communicating with someone with dementia which i hope will be helpful😄

  • WhatThe
    WhatThe Online Community Member, Scope Member Posts: 4,004 Championing

    Tesslynne, may I suggest a few things? Perhaps describe yourself as (name), (name)'s daughter/granddaughter. He may no longer be able to place grandchildren, nieces etc if there are lots of you.

    Make your message more personal. Can you mention something from your visits that he might remember and laugh about? Can you describe your favourite beach or mountain or a local delicacy that would mean something to him? Can you record a bit of birdsong or a favourite song?

    It's not nice to think of him in hospital - an unfamiliar place - unable to see much but it's the safest place for him. Any reminder of home will cheer him and jog his memory.

    Hospital food is a good talking point if he enjoys his food!

  • Tesslynne
    Tesslynne Online Community Member Posts: 81 Contributor
    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1032258#Comment_1032258

    Thank you!

  • Tesslynne
    Tesslynne Online Community Member Posts: 81 Contributor

    Thank you also!

    Good point about the hospital. In a way, it is giving his spouse who is his carer a bit of a break! And also, when my own health thing started, when I was in hospital I had good food so I know what you mean!

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