A stroke or head injury can create a serious communication complication called aphasia. Aphasia is an illness that impacts a person’s ability to express or easily understand written or spoken language.
Many individuals who are homebound live with aphasia. If you are a family member or caregiver that is having trouble communicating with a loved one who experiences aphasia, here are some communication tips that can help ease frustrations on all fronts.
Aphasia is Not an Intellect Issue
Remember, while it will take time for someone with aphasia to comprehend and find the words they want to use in conversation, this isn’t an intellectual issue you’re dealing with.
Unless there were previous neurological complications involved, your loved one is still mentally intact. They can think through a conversation, it will just take time on their behalf and patience on yours.
Keeping this in mind will help ease frustrations and let your loved one remain as confident as possible when participating in conversations.
Keep Communication Short and to the Point
When communicating with an individual with aphasia, talk to them like an adult and don’t raise your voice to try to get your points across. Communicating in short, direct statements, with ample eye contact will help your loved one comprehend your conversation without feeling like you’re treating them like a child.
Some ways you can keep your communication concise are:
- Asking questions with simple “yes” or “no” answers
- Giving individuals a couple of choices for answers to your questions
- Breaking down instructions into simple steps
- Using visual cues to help get your point across
Reduce Distractions Where Possible
Distractions like loud TVs or other conversations in the room can make communication frustrating for a loved one with aphasia.
Keep distractions to a minimum and if necessary move to a quiet room where you can have a successful conversation.
Encourage Other Ways to Communicate
Remember, talking isn’t the only way your loved one can communicate. Try to think outside of the box and offer the following alternatives to talking:
- Writing out what they are saying
- Hand gestures
- Sign language
- Drawings
- Text messaging
Reach Out to a Speech Therapist
Speech therapy is usually the most effective way for a person with aphasia to improve their communication skills. Regular speech therapy can help an individual:
- Discover alternative means of communication
- Get their loved ones educated about aphasia
- Increase their participation in active conversations
- Improve their speaking ability and language comprehension post-stroke
If an individual is homebound, they have an even greater chance of success through speech therapy. When exercises and sessions are held in locations and at times when a patient feels comfortable (i.e. meal times, bath times), the practices tend to prove more effective and show real results.
Start the Path to Clearer Communication With Angel Home Healthcare Services
Angel Home Healthcare Services is dedicated to providing quality, reliable in-home health care for homebound individuals with aphasia and other debilitating conditions.
Our in-home speech therapy can help your loved one practice their communication rehabilitation in a safe environment. Let us reduce the stress of in-office speech therapy and give your loved ones the opportunity to implement effective exercises during their times of regular activity.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and schedule your free consultation with a member of our speech therapy team.