Strategies that Support Talking to a Person with Aphasia
Communicating in New Ways
I recently wrote a blog about what aphasia is (and what it isn’t) because there are some misconceptions about the condition. Today let’s dive into how can you support someone with aphasia at home. What helps the person with aphasia to talk to you, and get their point across? What helps them to understand what you have to say? There are many helpful strategies to choose from. Today, I want to tell you about supported conversation for adults with aphasia.
When we consider how to support a conversation with an adult who has aphasia, we break this down into two parts:
Getting the message in so that we are understood by the person with aphasia
Getting the message out so that we understand the person with aphasia
Communication goes in two directions, keep that in mind during your conversation. Make sure that you both take turns talking. Allow time for your loved one to communicate their thoughts. Don’t force a one-sided conversation just because of long pauses or moments of quiet. Instead, try these helpful tips:
Point
Use gestures
Write a key word
Draw a simple graphic
Pointing and using gestures is one way to get a message across. If you are not one to use your hands much while talking, don’t worry. You don’t have to know sign language or do anything extraordinary. For example, point to a cell phone if you’re trying to get the message across that you are expecting a call. Cup your hand like a C-shape and bring it towards your mouth if you’re trying to offer the person a drink. Don’t overthink it. Do keep it clear and simple.
Beyond using gestures, I also recommend writing down a keyword or drawing a simple image. Again, keep it simple. You don’t have to be an artist. If you are trying to discuss an upcoming trip with a person who has aphasia, write the keyword ‘vacation’ or draw a picture of an airplane. Choose whichever works best for both of you. Feel free to use any tech or non-tech tool at your fingertips— a tablet, laptop, notepad, Jot Board, dry erase board… any of those will do.
There are a few considerations that will guide you towards choosing the right strategies. For example, how is your loved one’s vision since the health incident that caused their aphasia? Are they able to move their hands and make gestures? Did they lose their ability to read or write? The answers will help you choose the best supported conversation strategies to use.
Have you tried any of these techniques with your loved one who has aphasia? Was the conversation a bit more successful? Do you know that speech therapy can involve training you, the communication partner, while also helping the person who has aphasia? Do you want more information on this? Please reach out to us at Bright Speech to discuss this further. We’re here to help.
