PWD Reading with a Tremor

CindyBum

Wondering if anyone has found a device of some sort that I can place a newspaper or magazine on so my DW can try to read. Her family has a genetic essential tremor and the dementia has made it worse from her. She's always liked reading magazines and the newpaper, but her hands shake too much now for her to hold it. If I could get it near her where she doesn't have to hold it, but could still read it, I might get a little time for her doing something she used to love.

Thanks, my fellow caregiving warriors!

Quilting brings calm

craft pattern holders, easels, easel stands, recipe holders, even plaque stands might work. Any craft or office store might have what you want.

SDianeL

I hope she can read with a device to hold something, but depending on what stage she’s in she might not be able to. My husband stopped reading in stage 5. He couldn’t comprehend or remember what he read. He also had vision problems from the Alzheimer’s. You might also try large print. If that doesn’t work maybe audio books. Please keep us posted.

Carl46

I used a wire rack for years, from an office supply store, to hold written material while I typed with both hands. It was shaped so that it held the file/book open and tilted in reading position. She would have to use it sitting at a desk or table. I'd rather have an audio book for reading for pleasure.

harshedbuzz

@CindyBum

My mom and aunt both have ET. mom mostly reads newspapers and magazines on her kitchen table. She sits books in a pillow rest on her lap. My aunt mostly reads using her tablet propped on a stand. A cookbook stand might work for magazines. They both have AMD and really like audio books; I would try this for your DW if she enjoys fiction or biographies.

While my dad w/dementia maintained the ability to decode written English, he didn't have the working memory to really comprehend what he was reading. Previously dad had been an avid reader who always had a book or two going. Once he couldn't comprehend what he read— blaming it on his favorite writers losing their edge— it no longer brought him pleasure or my mom a moment to herself.

HB

CindyBum

Thanks, all! Super helpful.

Honestly, I doubt she's comprehending much, but she still wants to try. So, what the heck…a cookbook stand or wire rack for now.

xoxo