“Should our 101-year-old wear her hearing aids?” What’s that got to do with your book, Kel?
If you’re new here, welcome, and if not, welcome back.
Thank you for reading and responding to my last post on how my book would be nothing without these. I do appreciate it. Your support is everything.
I need a wee breather from all things book related, so today I’m sharing my latest unexpected Francine episode.
When I popped in on our 101-year-old after a visit to my eye doc, I didn’t bother checking to see if she was in her room. She prefers to hang out in lounge with the other residents.
“I find it easier to breathe in there, Kel.”
Sure enough, Francine was perched right up front, working on a word search book as a nature program played on the large screen.
“Let’s go talk somewhere quieter, Kel. I can’t hear in here.”
No surprise there. We’re well aware her hearing is “compromised.”
We headed to the quiet corner in the lobby by the fishtank.
“I usually get eight fish. Count ’em, Kel.”
With my face jammed up against the tank, I suddenly heard, “Frankie, it’s time for your hearing test. ”
Should Our 101-Year-Old Wear Her Hearing Aids?
Francine had clearly forgotten today was Hearing Test Day. But nevermind. Always up for an adventure, she stood, gripped the handles on her walker and toddled after the gal into the Activity Room. I’m familiar with this room. It’s where we play Bingo every Saturday.
We weren’t alone. A young woman, clearly the tester, sat on one side of the row of long tables with at least six folks facing her. Three more residents were grouped at the far end in their wheelchairs. Francine beetled over to the closest chair behind the tester. The woman handed back an elderly gentleman’s hearing aids and consulted her notes.
“Frankie Robinson?”
“Did someone say my name?” Francine called out.
“Yes, please take a seat here and we’ll get your test underway.”
This is where things began to take a turn.
The other residents weren’t happy Francine had “bumped the line.” The grumbles turned into loud complaints. I couldn’t blame them. Nor could Francine. One chap started asking to be returned to his room. Others began asking why they were even in the Activity Room. Francine wasn’t the only one who forgot it was Hearing Test Day.
The tester picked up a long wire with foam bits attached to each end. She gently squeezed the foam, wrapped the wire over Francine’s head, inserted the ends into her ears and handed her a plunger.
“Okay, Frankie, when you hear something, please push the button.”
Francine beamed. What fun.
Excuse Me?
They suddenly wheeled in four more residents. With the numbers now at 14, we were instantly transported to a busy Urgent Care. Perfect for folks requiring medical treatment, not so optimal for a hearing test.
The clinician turned back to look at me. The frown blossoming between her eyes over the mask was quite alarming.
“I’m usually in a quiet room, consulting one on one. This communal gathering is not going to work.”
The careteam swiftly moved us into a vacant resident’s room.
Much better.
And the results?
“You need hearing aids, Frankie.”
“She has them. She just refuses to wear them, ” I explained with a sigh.
Francine nodded, her grin surpassing that of a mischievous child.
As the woman launched into an explanation of the benefits of wearing them, I rudely interrupted.
“There’s no point. Our family has tried. She refuses to put “tubes” in her ears. It’s too late. She got them at 95. There was a challenging relationship with them from the start.”
As the tester and I locked eyes, I sensed a shift.
The room fell silent.
Francine suddenly stirred.
“I don’t see the need to be a teenager again,” she asserted. “I find joy in every day.”
The woman nodded slowly.
“Okay, Frankie, how’s this. When you no longer have any joy because you can’t hear, we’ll meet again to discuss hearing aids.”
Francine smiled and began standing.
“Oh wow, Kelly. I’ve learned something today. Your mother is quite something. What’s her secret?”
“Her positivity. It’s definitely her positivity.”
For all the latest scoop on my impending book about how Francine and I survived working together for over a decade in her Vancouver Asian antique store, simply subscribe above and follow me on Instagram or Facebook. I do thank you.
Wendy says
Love the positivity, so true and once again, bless dear Francine and her moxy.
kellylmc says
Right? She’s “summat”, our Francine.
Katy says
Love it! “I don’t see the need to be a teenager again,” she asserted. “I find joy in every day.”
kellylmc says
That line nearly knocked the tester’s socks off, I must say. I forgot to put in the gal’s disbelief when she learned Mom’s birthday. “Excuse me? That makes you 101?” Francine was golden from then on.
Lynn says
Hope your eye doc appointment had so much positivity Kelly! Looking forward to the book!
kellylmc says
Good catch, Lynn. Thank you. Eye doc appointment went well. Even the dreaded visual field test …
Nonie Wilson says
Ah Kelly, so perfect, as one who’s brother had to settle get a cochlear at 74, due to Industrial deafness, I totally get this option. Hugs from Australia.
Nonie
kellylmc says
Industrial deafness is such an unfortunate ailment. I’m sorry to learn about your brother. Thanks for the hugs and for stopping in!
Jane says
Oh my, your dear Mum is quite a card , but love the I don’t need to be a teenager again !
She is definitely not the first senior to balk at hearing aids !! My Mum would wear hers, but neglect to turn them on !
kellylmc says
She’d neglect to turn them on? I love that. I’m most impressed she wore them, though. Most impressed.
Kathy G says
I’m pretty sure if you’re 101 you can do whatever you want.
kellylmc says
Boom. Right there. You nailed it, Kathy.