When using the phone – Tip Card

Summary

Our Advocacy group in Cork are developing a series of handy to use Tip cards to act as reminders in particular situations. You can download this handy to print version of this tip here

When using the phone…

1. Have a note pad ready with the date and time written on it for future reference.
2. Have your PPS number ready when phoning the Dept of Social Welfare/Medical Card/Fás or any queries dealing with government bodies.
3. Write down the person’s name who you are speaking to (so you can remember it).
4. Ask the person to speak slowly and clearly because due to ill health “I find it difficult to understand what’s being said.”
5. Write down any information you are given (don’t be afraid to tell the person who you are speaking to that you are writing the information down as it will help you remember and if they would be patient with you.

• If you don’t understand what the doctor/nurse is saying don’t be afraid to ask them to explain it to you or write it down for you.

The Cork advocacy group is made up of Headway clients and meets twice a month. The group say: “Amongst our aims is our desire to improve Headway services, raise awareness of difficulties we face and support each other to ensure our voices are heard and wishes and rights respected. We put the cards together as a way of supporting others, to make their lives easier, to help people to communicate and get their message across”It’s a good idea when you are looking for a telephone Number to dial 11811 or 11890 from you mobile because they will text back the number to you.