Questions to ask Dara

Sometimes people feel awkward when they speak with Dara if they cannot quite comprehend everything that she is saying. I know some people feel uncomfortable because they don't know how to respond to what she says. 

Here are some questions to ask her.

1. Did you sleep well last night? How did you sleep?

2. What did you eat for lunch? for dinner? What food did you have for breakfast? Do you like a particular type of juice? What are your favorite foods? How do you like your vegetables cooked?

3. Did you get outside today? Did someone bring you out for a smoke? 

4. Did they help you stand up today? Or did you get any activities in?

5. Tell me about what you are doing for exercises. What are you doing for your arms? for your legs? for your voice? Are you doing voice exercises? Is your left arm getting as strong as your right arm? How is your left leg working? 

6. I know you had blurry vision. How is your eyesight these days? Have you noticed any improvement? What sort of glasses are you wearing?

7. Did you talk with Dale today? Was he able to come to the window? 

8. Did you receive a phone call from anyone this week? Did you talk with anyone on the phone?

9. When you get home, what type of food do you want to eat? What appeals to you? Are you exciting about settling into your apartment? Are you afraid of anything? 

10. You must be looking forward to sleeping in your own bed. The thought of that must feel good. 

11. What's it like in California with all the COVID numbers increasing? 

12. How is the weather in Los Angeles? Is it cool in the evening? 

13. She pays attention to all the daily news. Feel free to ask her about what is going on. She is on top of the big events. Ask her, "Did you see that 'such and such' happened?

14. What time do you go to bed? What time do you wake up? How is Janette, your roommate? 

Don't be afraid of saying, "Can you repeat that? I didn't quite catch it." By asking her these questions, she will give a response. You might be able to catch 30% of what she is saying, but there might be something that you understand. It is like learning a new language. You might not understand everything, but you get it. As you frame the question, it leads you know how she might respond. So, if you are asking her about food, she will say something about the food she is being served. Your questions guide you to understand her answers better. 

Don't feel bashful. She knows she is sometimes not clear or articulate. She just appreciates that you are in her life. You don't have to understand fully. 

O, and when it is time to leave, just say, "It has been good talking with you. Thanks for spending time with me. It is time for me to go, but thanks for the chat. I wish you many good things. Have a good night."

And remember if you are on the East Coast, the time difference is three hours. So, if it is 10:00 p.m. and you think it is too late to call, it is only 7 p.m. there. 

O, and ask her if this is a good time to talk.

She eats around 5:15 p.m. (8:15 EDT) and around noon, and she will unavailable for about half an hour until she finishes her meal. 

I hope this makes you feel more comfortable in your conversations with her. Thanks to all of you who have kept up with her. She appreciates being remembered. 

424-251-4724

Dara Predmore
2017 250th Street
Lomita, CA 90717