Making Holidays Easier: 5 Tools to Navigate Communication, Swallowing, & Cognitive Challenges
The holiday season is full of joy, but for some, it can also bring unique challenges. From travel to socialization hurdles, this time of year can be particularly tricky for those dealing with conditions like communication, swallowing, or cognitive challenges. Fear not! Here are five of my favorite tools, that can make your holidays a bit smoother.
1. Pill & Supply Organizer 🎁
A must-have, especially if you're on the move. This organizer is not just for medications; it's perfect for keeping wound tape, saline bullets, glucose monitors, and other small supplies in one convenient place. One time my dad forgot his blood pressure meds visiting us for the holidays…I don’t wish that pharmacy chaos or phone waiting times on anyone. Travel with all your meds & your family will thank you 🤣🙏🏾
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2. Communication Supports 📝
A good way to have your loved ones stay part of the conversation. Provide communication supports customized to each person- like a speech generating device from Lingraphica or a laminated communication board. Seek a speech therapy consult for this one!
3. Voice & Sound Amplifiers 🎤
Perfect for your loved ones with soft voices or who are hard of hearing and don’t have hearing aids. Sound amplifiers are not a replacement for hearing aids but in my experience they’ve been helpful for people who can’t afford hearing aids, lost theirs, or prefer not to wear them.
4. Scoop Plate 🍽️
A scoop plate is a great option for those slightly messy eaters, you know usually more food on the table or you’re constantly spinning the plate around so they can push the food back to the other side (😂 hi, it’s my dad).
5. Dry Erase Board 🪧
Help your loved one keep track of important details like the date & names of family members. Quit quizzing - WHat dAy is iT gRaNdMa?! wHo is tHiS wHaTs ThEiR nAmE?!?!?!!! No one likes a test on the holidays.😉 Set them up for success & provide some hints.
The holiday season can be difficult. Add a communication, swallowing, or cognitive impairment. Toss in a little travel…& you have a recipe for a potentially frustrating time. With these tools I hope you’re able to put a little more ease back into your holidays.🌲❄️⭐️
Have any questions about these tools? Want to book a free consult? Let’s chat!
