[Publib] re: drooling patron

[Scott Bonner]

If the patron is cognitively impaired, it is vital to work with whomever is
providing direct care.  That person, or those people, are most likely the
ones who will have to put the solutions in place.  To bring up the obvious,
just remember that you can't break confidentiality about what is being read,
and what has been destroyed, while talking with those providers.  Make sure
the patron is part of the conversation, as much as possible.

If the patron tends to sit at a table and read with the book on the table,
suggest a small, upright book stand that will necessarily put the book a few
inches away from the mouth.  Our cataloger has an excellent little metal one
with adjustable slope and rubber-coated prongs to hold the pages, so I know
they exist.  This one does not have a brand name, though.  If the patron
reads in a chair or in bed while holding the book, some sort of bookholding
device may help there, too, to keep the book high enough to not fit under
the mouth.

I have never seen one, but in my mind I have designed an excellent
contraption that holds a hardback perfectly, hands-free, when the user is
sitting in a chair.  It comes in free-standing and affixed varieties -- in
my head.  :) 

-- Scott
 
 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org [mailto:publib-
> bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Paula Keegan
> Sent: Saturday, June 14, 2008 9:49 AM
> To: publib at webjunction.org
> Subject: [Publib] re: drooling patron
> 
> Sally-
> 
> I think you need to include the patron in the resolution of the problem.
> Unless there is cognitive impairment that necessitates treating him
> differently from other adult patrons, it is how I would want to be treated
> as a patron with a disability. I would want to have it brought to me with
> the attitude of  working out a solution together, and given the options
> already presented, of asking the advice of others, using alternate
> materials, etc, or coming up with some ideas of his own. Using book sale
> materials, or talking books, or other alternate materials are all good
> ideas. So is bringing in the advice of the facility's staff. But include
> the patron. It may not be the easiest conversation you've ever had, but I
> feel he should be treated as an adult patron capable of being responsible
> for his library use if at all possible.
> 
> Paula
> 
> From: "Sally Decker Smith" <SSmith at itpld.lib.il.us>
> To: <publib at webjunction.org>
> Date: Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:06:02 -0500
> Subject: [Publib] drooling patron
> 
> 
> We need the help of the collective wisdom!  Our bookmobile goes to several
> local senior and assisted living facilities.  We have acquired a new
> patron
> who, unfortunately, has had a stroke, and can't help drooling. He is  also
> an avid reader--so books he borrows are returned well drooled upon.   The
> staff has latex gloves they use to handle materials he returns--but then
> they are uncirculatable to anyone else.
> 
> We want to be sensitive, and helpful, and hate to deny him service.  But
> we
> are at a total loss.  Has anyone had a similar experience?  Any
> suggestions?
> 
> TIA--
> 
> Sally Decker Smith
> Indian Trails Public Library District
> Wheeling IL
> 
> 
> 
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