Mary* is an 83 year old woman with severe hearing loss who lives alone. She is unable to hear when the phone is ringing and even more importantly when someone rings the doorbell. For convenience, Mary leaves her front door open for her homemaker and other health professionals to avoid the need to ring the doorbell. Unfortunately, because of Mary’s hearing loss she is putting herself at greater risk for safety because she is ultimately giving anyone open access to her home.
Her family recognized the danger of this situation and out of concern for their mother contacted the Canadian Hearing Society (CHS), a Brant United Way Member agency, for a consultation. Mary’s family was hoping that they would be able to provide safer solutions and options for people like Mary who are living with the challenges that come with hearing loss.
When Mary arrived at CHS, the staff carefully assessed her living arrangements to ensure that she could live safely in her own environment. Through the CHS Technical Devices program, an amplified phone and alerting system were recommended. The alerting system uses a flashing lamp, powerful bed shaker and panel of indicator lights to alert Mary when the phone, doorbell or alarm clock is ringing. The amplified phone allows Mary and her family the opportunity to communicate easier, therefore addressing the isolation and loneliness Mary was experiencing.
As a result of contacting the Canadian Hearing Society, Mary and her family are content in knowing that Mary can live on her own with a decreased sense of isolation and an increased sense of independence and connection to those around her. With the help of the Technical Devices Program, Mary is now able to go back to enjoying her life the way she did before her hearing loss.
It is important for everyone in our community to have the ability to enjoy a high quality of life. Brant United Way is proud to partner with Agencies in our community who work diligently every day to do so. Brant United Way supports programs that are changing people’s lives every day.
*Names have been changed for confidentiality
