Care Management ~ Eldercare Advocacy ~ Dementia Care

Dear Judie,

Mom recently moved in. She’s very hard of hearing but won’t wear hearing aids because “they don’t work”. She keeps the TV on the loudest volume from morning until 10pm, so we’re always yelling to be heard and have constant headaches. The neighbors repeated asked us to reduce the noise level. Yesterday they called the police. Do I have to lose my sanity to care for her?

• Losing It, PSL

Dear Losing It,

Not for this. Tell Mom neither of you has a choice—she has to wear hearing aids or you’ll be evicted. Good manners make good neighbors and repeatedly disturbing the neighbors’ peace is high enough on the list of no-nos to be costly. Also tell her she’s right—many hearing aids will not work for her. Do not invest in new hearing aids without testing from a board certified audiologist who will help determine which aides will work for Mom. Also ask the audiologist about special earphones to help mom hear the TV.

Judie Rappaport, President & Founder
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