“I can see everything except what I’m looking at” is a pretty good description of the effects of macular degeneration. I once took a small paper plate and put it in line with the focal point of my vision to see what was left of my vision without moving my eyes. Try it. Many activities become impossible or difficult, driving, reading, pushing buttons on phones and screens, identifying faces to name a few.
One problem was retrieving phone messages on her cell phone and charging her cell phone. The cell phone has voice commands but first one has to push the proper button. This became a major frustration for Janet and her children and twelve grandchildren who keep in touch with her regularly.
The solution came in the form of a land line in addition to the cell phone. That left the problem of receiving messages. It is important to be able to leave loving messages to listen and re-listen when someone special has called.
I bought the simplest answering machine I could find to plug into the land line. Unfortunately, it still contained numerous buttons. Also, it could fall off the desk. I taped it securely to the desk and covered all of the buttons, except the one to push to receive messages. We recorded a greeting after numerous tries, a cheerful, “Hello, this is Janet, leave a message.”
During the Pandemic, I was granted daily access to my mother, a blessing that few relatives of those living in group settings had. I was designated a caregiver, doing showers, walks and meds. The first few months were particularly hard because residents could not congregate with each other for activities. This made the telephone vital for human contact.
About a week after setting up the greeting my sister called, alarmed by Mom’s phone greeting. I called while she was out of her room. When the greeting came on I heard, “Hello, this is Janet, I’m stiiiillll aliiiiive,” in a voice alarmingly, sounding just barely alive. How did she do that? I still have no idea. I used my phone so Mom could listen to her greeting. After a good laugh, we recorded another greeting. Mom didn’t know how or when she made the new greeting but it was surely worthy of pandemic times.
Restrictions are relaxing, meals are in the dining room. Residents gather for activities. Recently, weather permitted a visit from great-grandchildren outside with a violin concert by Greta.
All residents are vaccinated and life is returning to normal. It was a difficult year for many and I attended just a couple of the “pity parties” as mom would call them. Then, like a passing storm, her sunny disposition would return. She is a joy to me, her fellow residents and staff. So, if you’re not dead yet, be kind and enjoy the day. (Advise from a life well lived)
