10 Essential Communication Tips for Living with Aphasia
Communication connects us. But when aphasia enters the picture after a stroke or brain injury, conversations can suddenly become challenging and frustrating – both for the person experiencing aphasia and their loved ones. You might hear, "I know what I want to say, but I can't find the words," or notice difficulty understanding conversations.
Aphasia affects the ability to use and understand language – speaking, listening, reading, and writing. It's crucial to remember aphasia does not impact intelligence. The thoughts, feelings, and personality of the person remain. However, the difficulty communicating can lead to social isolation if not addressed with patience and the right strategies.
The good news is that communication can improve! Successful interaction is possible with practice, support from a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) like those at Clarity Rehabilitation, and by using effective strategies together.
Here are 10 practical tips to help make communication easier and more successful for everyone involved:
Create a Calm Communication Space
Find a quiet place with minimal distractions. Turn off the TV or radio, move away from noisy areas, and try to talk one-on-one when possible. Gently ensure you have the person's attention before starting to speak or ask a question. This helps focus listening and reduces overwhelm.
Keep it Clear and Simple (But Adult!):
Use shorter, simpler sentences and speak at a slightly slower, natural pace. Emphasize the key words in your sentence. Avoid complex questions or instructions. However, always maintain a respectful, adult tone – don't "talk down" to the person.
Instead of: "Since the grocery store was packed and I couldn't find parking quickly, I didn't grab the milk you wanted, but I'll go back later."
Try: "The store was very busy. I did not get the milk. I will go back later."
Be Patient and Allow Extra Time:
Processing language takes longer with aphasia. Resist the urge to interrupt, finish sentences, or fill silences immediately. Give the person ample time to understand what you've said and formulate their response. Patience reduces pressure and encourages attempts to communicate.
Ask Questions Thoughtfully:
Ask one question at a time. Frame questions so they can be answered with a "yes," "no," or a simple choice whenever possible. This requires less complex language formulation.
Instead of: "What do you want to do today?"
Try: "Do you want to go for a walk? Yes or no?" OR "Would you like to watch TV or listen to music?"
Use ALL Communication Tools:
Communication isn't just about speaking! Encourage and use multiple methods:
Writing: Keep a notepad handy to write down key words or choices.
Drawing: Simple pictures can clarify meaning quickly.
Gestures & Pointing: Use natural gestures or point to objects.
Facial Expressions: Pay attention to and use facial expressions to convey meaning.
Pictures/Photos: Use relevant images to support understanding or expression. This applies to both communication partners!
Help Find Words (But Ask First!):
Word-finding difficulty (anomia) is very common. If the person is stuck, gently ask, "Would you like some help?" before jumping in. If they agree, try suggesting strategies: "Can you describe it?" "What does it start with?" "Can you point to it or gesture?" Avoid simply guessing or speaking for them, as this can undermine confidence.
Be Honest if You Don't Understand:
It's okay if you don't understand! Don't pretend you do. Gently say, "I'm sorry, I didn't quite catch that. Could you try saying it again?" or "Could you show me another way? Maybe write it or point?" This shows you value what they're trying to say and are willing to work together to understand.
Use a Normal Tone and Volume:
Unless the person also has a hearing impairment, there's no need to shout or use an exaggerated tone. Speak naturally. Modifying volume or using overly simple "baby talk" can feel patronizing.
Encourage Participation and Independence:
Include the person with aphasia in conversations, family activities, and decision-making as much as possible. Praise all communication attempts, focusing on the effort and success rather than errors. Encourage them to do things independently and avoid being overprotective. Respect their desire to communicate and contribute.
Stay Focused on the Topic:
Conversations naturally jump around, but this can be hard to follow with aphasia. Try to stick to one topic at a time. If you need to change the subject, clearly signal the shift: "Okay, now I want to ask about..." or "Let's talk about dinner now."
Communication is a Partnership
Living with aphasia requires teamwork. Using these strategies consistently can reduce frustration, build confidence, and strengthen connections. Remember that your loved one is the same person inside, wanting to connect and share their thoughts and feelings.
Every person with aphasia is unique. A Speech-Language Pathologist can provide a personalized assessment and tailored therapy plan to address specific challenges and maximize communication potential.
