Communication Problems after a Stroke
My Husband has recently had a stroke and is now suffering with aphasia. He is seeing a speech and language therapist so we are hoping he will improve. In the mean time is there anything that I can do to make our conversations easier for him?
Aphasia is the loss of ability to use previously intact language skills often caused by a stroke. Aphasia can manifest in many different ways and varies a great deal in severity and the impact it has on a person’s life. It can affect a person’s ability to formulate words from thoughts in their brain (expressive aphasia) and/or the ability to decode words in order to understand what is being said to them (receptive aphasia).
As a close relative of someone with aphasia you can provide vital support and be an integral part in their successful improvement or even recovery. It is important to not avoid communicating with people who have had a stroke, even though it can seem that it is difficult and stressful for them. Someone with aphasia has to work hard to improve their skills meaning practice is essential. However, it is also important to try and make interaction as stress free and enjoyable as possible. This means you should try to use strategies to support your speech and to not frequently correct mistakes in their speech as this can affect their confidence and motivation.
When you are talking to someone with aphasia, you should try to:
- Use clear, short sentences and avoid complex words. Although try not to sound patronising
- Take frequent pauses, giving them time to absorb what you have said
- Give one piece of information at a time
- Reduce background noise as much as possible e.g. turning TV or radio off
- Use gestures and facial expression along side your speech
- Try to talk normally, although a little slower, and do not feel you need to shout to help them hear you
- Try out different strategies and use the ones that help them most e.g. writing down key words, drawing pictures, exaggerated gestures.
- Encourage them to use communication strategies e.g. thumbs up/down, pointing at objects, writing or drawing.
- Try not to guess what they are saying too much as this can cause frustration and confusion.
- Instead give them time and prompts to help then say the right words.
For more help and advice on how to communicate effectively with people who have aphasia you could visit: http://www.speakability.org.uk/ where you will find a variety of resources you can buy.
Alternatively, you could contact Integrated Treatment Services who are a private Speech and Language Therapy service based in Leicestershire. We offer therapy services across the East Midlands, Southern England, Northern England and Northern Ireland. I.T.S have a range of therapists: speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and creative expressive therapists who are extremely skilled in working with clients who have had strokes.
If you have questions relating to therapy or have ideas for topics you would like us to cover in future articles you can call us on: 0845 838 2921, email us on: info@integratedtreatments.co.uk or simply follow the link ‘Ask us a question’ and our team of specialists will respond immediately.
Laura Oldakowska
Speech and Language Therapist
June 2013
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