How do people who live alone and have aphasia so cannot communicate with speech manage? What devices/methods do they use so they can live independently?

Hello Johnno

Families can play such an important part in stroke and aphasia recovery. It’s great to hear that your brother has been doing so well with your support post-stroke, and is ready to return home independently. 

To continue to support him during this transition, establishing contact with his General Practitioner before he moves interstate is one of the most important first steps. They will know of services in his local area that he can connect with, as well as promote his ongoing recovery with medication, access to services and support as he returns home.

Aphasia is a language disorder that affects the ability to communicate. Aphasia is unique to every person, and results in different communication to be effective.  Does your brother currently access Speech Pathology services? His Speech Pathologist will be able to give specific recommendations and skills to assist with communication at home. His current Speech Pathologist should also be able to send a report to the Speech Pathologist your brother will continue to see once he returns home. They can find a local private Speech Pathologist through the chronic conditions management treatment plan if he is eligible, or through a local community rehabilitation entre or hospital outpatients.  Speak with his current team about their recommendations for his ongoing therapy.

Some universal tips for communication with people with aphasia include: 

• Keeping communication simple
• Allowing plenty of time for a response
• Remove distractions, including turning off the television or radio when communicating
• Repeating back what you think they are saying to confirm your understanding 

The Australian Aphasia Association https://aphasia.org.au has a number of other great tips and ideas on effective communication, and an online aphasia group that your brother may be interested in connecting with.

We hope this helps to encourage independence and a successful transition to home for your brother. 

Do feel free to reach out and give us a call on StrokeLine and we can talk with you in more detail about your brothers transition back to Queensland.  You can reach us on Ph. 1800 787 653 and we are here Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

Best wishes

Leah (StrokeLine)

Hi Johnno,

Here are some more answers from the Facebook community:

Paula Johnson My partner has a small folder to help him communicate when he gets stuck on key words and uses gestures which sometimes prompt the word. Ipads are great to assist picture with sound apps.
Speech therapy and chat back groups for aphasia are good.
He always carrys a print out of medications and medical outline.in his wallet.

Jenny Sellars Carry cards with name and address. Have someone to contact who can make phone calls for them eg Drs appointments, Utility connections, insurance etc Most day to day living skills are not affected by aphasia as intellect stays the same. Independence does not need to be held back because of this if it is something he wants.

Brooke Ryan https://aphasia.org.au/

 Is a good resource and we now have an online aphasia group - all welcome

Set up as many direct debits etc as possible. Ensure that he is regularly checked on if he lives alone. The local aphasia community will help look after him so connect him in via the Australian Aphasia Association. Smart phones can help overcome obstacles while out. 

Hi Johnny, I live with Aphasia and live independently. My speech therapist said I should make technology my friend and I did. I pay for everything on my card. I bought a new phone with a camera and use it for pictures if you can’t remember something. I recommend Aphasia support group in his area. I wish your brother well and remember nothing is impossible. It’s been 3.5 years for since my stroke.