Keep Your Dad’s Hearing In Mind On World Hearing Day

Elderly Care in Amagansett

The World Health Organization established World Hearing Day to fall on the 3rd of March every year. It encourages people to get their hearing tested and learn more about the common causes of hearing loss.

• Blockages
• Inner ear damage
• Exposure to excessive noises over time
• Tumors

Your dad’s hearing is failing. What should you do to help him navigate the changes this will bring?

Someone Needs to Drive

Your dad can’t hear things like sirens, train whistles, or horns. He can’t drive if he can’t hear these warning systems, so make sure someone is free to drive him.

Take a day off to bring your dad to his medical appointments. If you can’t, see if another family member or close friend can. Otherwise, arrange elderly care services for transportation.

He Needs Help in Stores

When your dad has to talk to a store worker, it’s difficult. He gets easily frustrated if he can’t hear them, so he avoids shopping on his own. If he has another person with him to help, he won’t withdraw and become embarrassed to leave his home.

Take Him For a Hearing Aid Test

Laws changed to make it easier for people to get over-the-counter hearing aids. As prices come down, it may become an option your dad can afford. Take him for a free hearing aid test and assessment. Make sure there’s no obligation to purchase after the free test.

If his insurance covers hearing aids, which is unlikely, you can also ask his ENT specialist about prescription hearing aids. If he’s on Medicare, hearing aids are not covered, though Part C will help pay for hearing aids, and the ear exam may be covered in some cases.

Invest in a Strobe Doorbell

How often do people come to your dad’s door? Look into a strobe doorbell that flashes if someone has pressed the button at the door. The other option would be a video doorbell, but have his phone set up to vibrate if someone is at the door.

A flashing wireless doorbell isn’t expensive. You should install it yourself, as these systems just need to be attached to the doorframe. After that the strobe is installed inside in a visible area.

Arrange Daily Visits From Caregivers

If your dad can’t hear, a professional caregiver can be his ears. He can have his caregiver drive him around, answer the door, and manage phone calls. If the call is important, his caregiver can help him chat with a captioned phone system.

Elderly care aides help your dad navigate his daily tasks, even if his hearing loss makes it harder to manage. He’ll have the help he needs with his activities when you have elderly care aides stopping by to help him out every day.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Elderly Care in Amagansett, NY, call the caring staff at Artful Home Care today at 631-685-5001.