5 Tips for Visiting with a Person with a Major Stroke-Induced Speech Disorder:
Categories: Senior Care, Tips and Ideas |
Posted: 7/2/2011 |
Views: 364
Aphasia is a common result of a left-hemisphere stroke, leaving a person unable to find words to accurately express thought. It can be mild to severe depending on the cause and extent of the damage to the brain. It can make communication quite challenging.
Being with someone who has difficulty speaking back to you often leaves you feeling uncomfortable and the other person frustrated and isolated. Here are some tips:
- No need to shout: A person who has trouble talking does not necessarily have trouble hearing or understanding you at all. It is not necessary to talk to a person like he or she is a small child - or to yell loudly. Try to speak clearly in a medium volume facing the person. It is helpful to reduce background noise like a radio or TV that may be on. And remember to talk “with” the person (even if lopsided conversation) rather than “at” the person.
- Don't Ignore: Sadly, people with aphasia can get lost in a crowd. It is even common for people to refer to a person with aphasia as if he or she were not in the room. In a group situation, do not exclude the person who cannot talk. Use eye contact to be non-verbally inclusive as you tell a story for instance - and occasionally ask the person a yes or no question so they get the message that they are an important part of the group.
- Connect in New Ways: Find other ways to be with a person besides in conversation. Simple games like rummy or checkers can be a way to enjoy company. Also, bring along photo albums of a recent trip or the grandkids to go through. You can sometimes bring an article about something the person used to do as a hobby like fishing and read the article to him or her. Even showing someone unfamiliar with technology all the things your new smart phone can do can be entertaining and help a person feel connected to you.
- It is okay to ask questions – but try to refrain from asking a very long series of questions. Often people can answer yes or no with a look or with a nod. If you are taxing a person with aphasia, one way they will let you know is to look away from you. Watch for that and slow down. Silence is okay if you can’t think of much to say. Mix up questions with stories, silence, and activities. If you do ask questions, allow time for an answer and don’t interrupt with a word you think they are trying to say. Patience.
- Use props. A notebook with pictures of relatives, different foods, hobbies, common discussion items can be made using old magazines and photos. The person can point to something and you can help the person communicate through such a book. Also, if the person can still write and read well enough, you can ask, “what would you like me to talk about?” and have the person write down a topic. There are products like voice story boards, etc. that can also be purchased for such use.
See more tips for visiting with seniors facing health challenges.