Here are 10 tips for improving communication with someone who has aphasia:

Continue to treat the person with aphasia as a mature adult.

Reduce background noises, such as the radio, TV and other conversations.

Reduce visual distractions, including the TV and people moving around the area.

Be sure you have the person's attention before speaking to them.

Keep messages short and simple. Speak slowly but naturally. Speaking louder doesn't increase understanding.

Use gestures, facial cues and voice intonation to help the person understand the message, even if they don't understand the words.

Don't assume they understand what you're saying. Your loved one may respond with head nods and sounds of agreement but still not understand what's being said.

Encourage communication and be patient.

Give your loved one plenty of time to respond, and try not to answer for them.

Include the person when they're present. Don't talk about them as if they aren't there. Just as you shouldn't assume comprehension, don't assume lack of comprehension.

Recovering speech and language after an aphasia diagnosis can take time and practice, so give your loved one support, and remain calm and focused on improving communication together.

____

Jody Englert is a speech-language therapist in Red Wing, Minnesota.

©2024 Mayo Clinic News Network. Visit newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.