Since many topics appear to get closed fairly quickly, I'm bringing this up again to get updated feedback.
When an aging senior becomes hearing impaired, how well are dry erase boards working for writing to the senior and them being able to respond? Pros/Cons?
Maybe a communication board will help.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1294881637/senior-adultgeriatric-communication?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_-art_and_collectibles&utm_custom1=_k_CjwKCAjw_9bWBhBGEiwAomyTIjTXEuc0Pz34TQuHtvSXtBMhPKjkw53x5lO3cA5zZP_5ryDi5OSlNBoC2UEQAvD_BwE_k_&utm_content=go_22555721185_179700248099_751770838716_pla-314954651933_m__1294881637_12768591&utm_custom2=22555721185&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22555721185&gbraid=0AAAAADtcfRIuLsPgr4DVaPOEaE7hS_wey&gclid=CjwKCAjw_9bWBhBGEiwAomyTIjTXEuc0Pz34TQuHtvSXtBMhPKjkw53x5lO3cA5zZP_5ryDi5OSlNBoC2UEQAvD_BwE
Loss of hearing is a huge contributor to dementia. Hearing aids conduct sound directly to the brain through the ears, thus preserving the neuron pathways that need to remain active in order for cognition to work. There's a lot of research on this.
I'm not sure that using a white board, or any writing to communicate, would have the same positive effect on the brain. It might work for your purposes but not stimulate the same (or maybe any) neuron pathways. Do your own research!
A white board wouldn't work for my husband or any of the residents in his memory care unit. They are dementia Stage 5 and higher; none of them can read now.
All I can say is try the white board. My BIL, hearing problem, showed me how to use a program called notes. It can use speach. So you can have a conversation on the tablet. The app looks like a little yellow table.
The pros and cons will depend on other variables. A dry erase board is a low-cost solution (which is a con). But the caregiver's handwriting will need to be legible (possible con) and it is slow (a con for me or in a possible medical emergency).
But here are some other ideas that may work better:
Reusable LCD writing tablet
A Boogie Board–style tablet eliminates marker odor, ink stains, and erasing. Lightweight and portable, although screen contrast varies and some models can be difficult to read.
Speech-to-text on a smartphone or tablet
This can be even better for longer conversations because the device converts spoken words into readable text. Accuracy varies with background noise and speech clarity, and someone may need to operate the device for the senior.
Laminated communication board
A sheet with large-print choices such as YES, NO, PAIN, WATER, BATHROOM, and HELP can be easier than repeatedly writing questions, especially when the senior has difficulty writing.