For Senior Iowans Who are Hard-of-Hearing or Deaf

“There are approximately 43.5 million caregivers in the United States with an average duration of 4 years in a caregiver role.” [National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. (2015). Caregiving in the U.S.]

What is The Role of a Caregiver?

The role of a caregiver can look different for everyone, as all loved ones have different levels of needs. You might have to help your loved one with small things, such as driving them to their appointments or grabbing some groceries for the week. On the other end of the spectrum, you may have to provide more comprehensive care for them, such as daily tasks such as cooking, personal care, and medical tasks. As you plan out your schedule for your loved one’s care, it is important to consider your proximity to their location. Your proximity to your loved one may change the type of care you are able to provide. Caregivers dedicate an average of 25 hours a week to caregiving tasks each week. Providing this care for your loved one can feel taxing, so it is important to make sure you’re taking the time to take care of your needs as well so you can continue to help your loved one when they need it.

As a caregiver, you will be responsible for advocating for your loved one and their care. Whether that be at a medical appointment, at a family outing, or helping them apply for necessary services to improve their daily life, you will be the person they look to for advice and help as they navigate these events.

Communicating with your loved one is one of the most important parts of caregiving. If your loved one is hard-of-hearing or Deaf, they may need specialized equipment to communicate. Securing access to proper communication devices is something you can help your loved one with whether you live just down the street, or across the state, especially when working with Telecommunications Access Iowa.

How You Can Help Your Loved One Receive Access to Communication Devices

As a caregiver, you will want to be able to stay in contact with your loved one to check in on a regular basis and make sure they can do the same. If your loved one does not already have access to proper communication devices, Telecommunications Access Iowa (TAI) provides a variety of products that can meet their specific communication needs. As your loved ones’ caregiver, you can help with the application process as it can feel overwhelming for someone who may not have applied for such services in the past. The good news is, that it is very easy to apply for access to telecommunication products with TAI.

Applying for Telecommunication Devices

Step 1: Starting the Application For Communication Devices

To begin the application process, you can help your loved one apply by going to the Telecommunications Access Iowa website and visit the Apply Now page. Once the application is filled out, our Team will reach back out to you to begin the next step in the process, which is choosing your loved one’s preferred equipment.

Step 2: Choose your Equipment

Choosing the right equipment to meet the needs of your loved one is as simple as viewing the products on our website. Here, you can view a variety of products specially selected to fit each individual’s communication needs.

Just a few of our products include, but are not limited to:

Captioned Telephones

Captioned phones have a built-in display screen the user can use to read the words through the Captioned Relay Service, while listening to the voice of the other party. This phone is best suited for hard-of-hearing individuals.

Speech Amplified Phones

Speech amplified phones are best suited for individuals with a low volume voice or have weak speech. These phones include a volume control switch on the handset and is hearing aid compatible.

Basic Amplified Phones

Basic amplified phones are corded or cordless phones with volume control and amplification capabilities to adjust the volume of the other party’s voice, so the incoming speech is received with more clarity. This is best suited for those who have mild hearing loss.

 

Wireless Devices

Telecommunications Access Iowa also offers vouchers for wireless devices such as smartphones and tablets. We’re proud to offer a variety of brands which include, iPhones and iPads from Apple, as well as phones and tablets with Samsung and Google. These wireless devices arrive with pre-loaded apps, such as IP Relay Services, Video Relay Services, IP Captioned Telephone Services, and Video Calls. These apps are all specialized for Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals and their needs. There are also speech-specific apps available, such as Alternative Augmentative Communication apps, which allow the user to tap on pictures, words, and phrases to create sentences and the device will speak for the user.

 

We welcome you to visit our local showroom, located in Urbandale, Iowa, which is just in the heart of Des Moines. Our showroom’s address is: 6925 Hickman Rd. Des Moines, Iowa 50322. You and your loved one can view a variety of products in person and speak to one of our Telecommunications Access Iowa staff members to learn more about each product we offer. If you or your loved one have never used a specialized telecommunications device before, this is a great opportunity to get to know the products before you make your decision on your loved one’s preferred equipment. Our showroom is open Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm. To set up a time to visit our showroom, please call at:

Our main line: (515) 282-5099

Toll Free: (800) 606-5099

Video Phone: (515) 207-0776

Step 3: Verify Needs

In order to finish the application process, a licensed professional will need to sign the application form to verify the need for specialized telecommunications equipment. Helping your loved one schedule and attend this appointment may help them feel more comfortable when asking for this verification. You can reach out to any of the following professionals for this verification step:

• doctor
• nurse
• chiropractor
• audiologist
• speech pathologist
• hearing aid specialist
• sign language interpreter
• social worker
• federal/state agency representative
• a teacher for the persons with hearing loss or speech difficulties

Step 4: Submit Your Loved One’s Application

Once you have completed the steps above, you are ready to submit your application for access to telecommunication equipment. Vouchers cover up to 99% of the average cost of the equipment we offer. You can assist your loved one by submitting their application online, send it by mail, or email it to us at info@teleiowa.com. Your loved one’s licensed professional may also submit the application on their behalf. Just be sure to have the application filled in its entirety before your loved one’s licensed professional can submit for you.

Access to Communication Allows for Independence

Helping your loved one get access to communication devices will allow them to gain back some independence and raise their confidence. This will in turn improve your loved one’s mental health and quality of life, which is so important. Because they will have the proper specialized telecommunications equipment available to them, they will be able to call and make arrangements for medical appointments, hair and nail appointments, make calls to friends and family, call for any repairs or technical support, and so much more. You will also be able to in turn, call them to check in periodically and stay up to date on their caregiving needs.

Access to communication is good for everyone. When you can help those you love receive the proper specialized equipment, everyone wins.

If you would like to learn more about Telecommunications Access Iowa (TAI) and our specialized communication devices and products, please contact us on our website or call us at our main office for questions on how to get started.

Sources: https://www.caregiver.org/resource/caregiver-statistics-demographics/