Supporting a loved one with aphasia: a practical guide.

We know that aphasia doesn’t only affect the stroke survivor, it affects families too. You play such an important role in aphasia recovery as there are plenty of things you can do to support your loved one. Here are a few ideas:

General communication tips:

• Practice, practice and more practice! Research tells us that the more people with aphasia practice their communication, the greater the chances of recovery. So the more times you engage in conversation, the better. Practice reading the paper aloud in the mornings - this may need to be tailored according to the severity of aphasia (for example, stick to single phrases first then gradually increase to sentences). Your speech pathologist will be able to help;
• Maintain a sense of humour and keep things light-hearted where possible;
• Keep your loved one involved. It’s really important to remember that aphasia doesn’t affect intelligence, it alters your loved ones communication method. So keep them involved in conversations and decisions that affect the family;
• If you both feel the conversation is going nowhere, agree to take a break and come back to it later;
• Keep your speech pathologist in the loop about progress. If there are consistent communication breakdowns, a different approach is needed.

Helping with understanding:

• Set up the environment by reducing distractions and limiting conversations to one person at a time;
• Speak using your natural tone of voice;
• Keep things short and simple;
• Use gesture and words to accompany what you say;
• Summarise the conversation with key points – you may need to write key words down as well.

Helping with expression:

• Be okay with any means of communication – this can be gesture, words, pictures, and even intonation!
• If your loved one has severe aphasia and uses a communication board or device, practice using this daily. This needs to be incorporated as part of everyday means of communication;
• Rather than jumping in, ask if it’s okay to help;
• Check if you’re unsure rather than pretending to understand.

How to support your loved one emotionally:

• Depression and anxiety after common after stroke, and more so for those with aphasia – seek counselling if needed;
• Remain linked in with friends and family;
• Stay involved in recreational activities;
• Make sure you take time out for yourself.

Lisa Mangwiro, Speech Pathologist, StrokeLine

StrokeLine is available Monday to Friday 9am-5pm AEST

Call 1800 787 653 or email strokeline@strokefoundation.com.au