When we want something or have an opinion we just ask or say it.  Imagine if you weren’t able to talk  or worse you weren’t being understood. Language difficulties can often become permarnent disabilities for stroke victims. 

Here are some ways to communicate to someone who suffers from aphasia:

Don’t talk down. There’s a tendency to talk down to people who suffer from aphasia, almost like you would talk down to a child.

Don’t speak about your loved one when they are nearby.  They may have communication problem but they can still overhear you or understand.

Don’t speak loudly.  If you’re loved one can’t hear, then you can speak loudly but otherwise speak in a natural voice.

Give your elder plenty of time to respond.  Just because your loved one doesn’t respond right away, it doesn’t mean they aren’t understanding you.  Their brain just might need time to process what you said and to formulate a response.

Speak about one subject at a time and use short sentences. Give your loved one time to grasp one topic before going into another subject.

Reduce background noise.  Turn down television or radios as it might be too distracting for them.

Try to have one on one conversations.  Keep the conversation to you and your loved one. Involving other people might confuse them.

Be expressive or add facial gestures when your words aren’t being understood.

As always consult a doctor for other suggestions.  Ask the doctor for a referral speech therapist who can help improve on their speech problems.   

Information provided by Rachelle Zukerman