Effective Communication Strategies For Stroke Survivors

how can a stroke victim communicate

After a stroke, communication problems are common, and it can be hard for survivors to join in conversations and share their thoughts and feelings. Over a third of stroke survivors experience communication challenges, which can impact their speech patterns, ability to process and comprehend language, and their reading and writing skills. These challenges can be mild or severe, temporary or long-lasting, and can be incredibly frustrating for the person affected. There are, however, many ways that friends and family can help a stroke survivor to communicate.

Characteristics Values
Communication challenges Aphasia, apraxia, dysarthria, dysphonia, cognitive difficulties
Communication aids Picture boards, hand signals, pencil and paper, gestures, visual aids, electronic devices, picture dictionaries, smartphones, tablets, video calling
Communication strategies Face-to-face, minimize distractions, one person speaks at a time, speak slowly, use simple instructions, give time to respond, avoid corrections, use positive reinforcement

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Face-to-face communication is important

Non-Verbal Cues

Speaking face-to-face allows both parties to utilise non-verbal cues such as pointing, gesturing, and using facial expressions to convey information. This is especially beneficial for stroke victims who may have difficulty speaking or understanding language. By using non-verbal cues, they can still express themselves and understand others without relying solely on verbal communication.

Minimising Distractions

Face-to-face communication often occurs in a quiet and relaxed environment with minimal distractions. This is important for stroke victims as they may need extra focus and attention to process information and formulate responses. By minimising distractions, they can better concentrate on the conversation and reduce confusion.

Personal Connection

Speaking face-to-face fosters a deeper sense of connection and intimacy. For stroke victims, this can be crucial in making them feel supported and loved during their recovery journey. It helps reinforce their relationships and can boost their morale, motivation, and overall well-being.

Clarity and Understanding

When speaking face-to-face, it is easier to ensure that the stroke victim fully understands what is being communicated. This can be achieved by using simple language, speaking slowly, and checking for understanding. Additionally, speaking face-to-face allows for the use of visual aids, such as pictures or writing, which can enhance comprehension and facilitate clearer communication.

Therapeutic Benefits

Face-to-face communication can have therapeutic benefits for stroke victims. It provides an opportunity for them to express their thoughts, feelings, and concerns, which can aid in their emotional processing and mental health. Speaking with loved ones can also help stroke victims feel less isolated and more integrated into their social circles, promoting a sense of belonging and support.

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Minimise distractions

Minimising distractions is a key way to help a stroke victim communicate. After a stroke, people often have trouble with speaking, reading, writing, and understanding what other people say to them. This can be exacerbated by distractions, so it is important to keep the environment as calm as possible.

Turn off the TV, radio, or any other devices that could be making noise. If you are in a public place, try to move away from the noise source. Choose quiet places to eat, and avoid busy, loud restaurants. If you are in a distracting environment, position yourself with a wall at your back to eliminate visual distractions.

Face the person when speaking to them, so they can see your face and lip movements. Try to ensure you are in a quiet room, with no background noise, and that only one person is speaking at a time.

If you are finding it hard to make yourself understood, try writing down what you want to say, or pointing to the first letter of each word on a notepad or alphabet card.

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Take turns talking

Taking turns while talking is an important aspect of communication, especially when a person is recovering from a stroke. Here are some ways to ensure effective communication by taking turns during conversations:

Be Patient and Listen Attentively:

Allow the person with aphasia to express themselves without interruption. Focus on what they are saying and avoid finishing their sentences or putting words in their mouth. It is important to give them the time and space to communicate their thoughts, even if it takes longer than expected. This helps them develop their speech and build their confidence.

Minimize Distractions:

Create a quiet and calm environment for conversation by turning off the TV, moving to a quiet room, or stepping away from noisy areas. This helps the person with aphasia focus on the discussion and reduces potential interruptions or distractions that may hinder their ability to communicate effectively.

Ask Clear and Simple Questions:

When engaging in conversation with a stroke survivor, ask clear and straightforward questions. Start with yes or no questions or provide a few simple choices if the inquiry is more complex. Give them ample time to process the information and respond. Avoid complicated sentences or jargon that may confuse or overwhelm them.

Use Alternative Communication Methods:

In addition to speech, explore other ways to communicate, such as writing pads, cue cards, pictures, gestures, or even electronic devices. These alternative methods can help bridge the gap when verbal communication is challenging. For example, the ICOON wordless picture dictionary has been effective for people with aphasia, providing a visual way to convey their thoughts.

Join Support Groups:

Encourage the stroke survivor to join support groups or participate in group therapy. Interacting with others who have experienced similar challenges can be empowering and help them regain their communication skills. It also provides an opportunity to practice taking turns in conversations and sharing experiences in a supportive environment.

Seek Professional Help:

Speech and language therapists play a crucial role in stroke rehabilitation. They can provide personalized strategies, exercises, and tools to improve communication skills. These specialists can also guide family members and caregivers on how to effectively communicate with their loved ones, ensuring a more inclusive and supportive environment for the stroke survivor.

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Use gestures and visual aids

Using gestures and visual aids can be an effective way for stroke victims to communicate. This method is especially useful for those with aphasia, a common disorder resulting from a stroke that affects a person's ability to produce or comprehend language.

Gestures can include pointing to pictures, hand signals, or using flashcards with keywords and pictures. For example, a stroke survivor may point to a picture of a toothbrush to indicate they want to brush their teeth. They can also use hand signals, such as giving a thumbs up to indicate "yes" or waving their hand to indicate "no".

Visual aids can include picture boards, which are particularly useful during the initial stages of recovery. These boards display symbols and images that the stroke victim can point to. For instance, they may point to a picture of a glass of water to indicate they are thirsty. Picture dictionaries are also a valuable tool, allowing users to complete essential phrases with icons and photos. "Pointing Pictures" is an easy-to-use reference developed for adults and children with communication disorders, recommended by the National Aphasia Association.

For those who still have the ability to write, a small chalkboard or whiteboard can be used. This not only helps with communication but also provides the added benefit of practising dexterity and language skills.

Additionally, smartphones and tablets can be utilised as communication tools. There are numerous apps available, and native device features such as the camera and notepad can be used to create custom messages and images that can be accessed quickly.

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Be patient and positive

Patience and positivity are key when helping a stroke victim communicate. It can be a long road to recovery, and caregivers and family members play a crucial role in opening up channels of communication. The more support and resources available to the individual, the better their chances of a gradual or full recovery. It is important to remember that every person is unique and may require a tailored solution depending on the severity and location of their stroke.

  • Encourage and motivate: Recovery requires a lot of hard work and can be frustrating for the individual. Encourage them to keep trying and not to give up. Provide incentives and celebrate their progress.
  • Set realistic goals: Help the person set realistic and attainable goals based on the amount of communicative ability they have lost. If they cannot speak at all, learning to say a word or two can be considered considerable progress.
  • Gradual progression: Recovery takes time, and it is important to introduce new words and concepts gradually. This gives the individual time to process and practice, reducing the risk of overwhelming them.
  • Consistency: Regular and consistent therapy is essential for gradual progress. This allows the individual to move at a pace that is appropriate for their recovery journey.
  • Provide support: Ensure that the person has ample time and the necessary resources to recover their lost language ability. This may include access to speech and language therapists, communication tools, and support groups.
  • Adapt to their needs: Be willing to adapt your communication style to meet the individual's needs. For example, turn off the TV or move to a quieter area to reduce distractions. Use yes or no questions and avoid open-ended questions.
  • Focus on communication: When engaging in conversation, focus solely on communication and avoid multitasking. Limit conversations to one or two people to avoid overwhelming the person.
  • Be clear and concise: Use clear and concise language when speaking to the person. Avoid baby talk or speaking too loudly unless there is a specific reason to do so.

Frequently asked questions

Aphasia, or dysphasia, is the term used to describe language difficulties after a stroke. It can impact speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

A person with aphasia may be able to understand language but be unable to speak, or they may speak in jumbled sentences that don't make sense. Aphasia can also make reading and writing difficult or impossible.

Other difficulties include apraxia, dysarthria, dysphonia, and cognitive difficulties. Apraxia is when the brain struggles to plan the muscle movements required for speech. Dysarthria is when the muscles used for speaking become weak or paralysed, causing slurred speech. Dysphonia is when the muscles around the vocal chords are affected, resulting in a hoarse or whispered voice. Cognitive difficulties can include problems with memory, thinking, judgement, attention, and understanding complex sentences.

Communication aids such as picture dictionaries, communication boards, and speech-generating devices can help stroke victims express themselves and understand others. Smartphone and tablet apps can also facilitate communication by allowing users to create custom messages and images.

It is important to be patient and understanding when communicating with a stroke victim. Speak slowly and clearly, and try to have conversations in a quiet place without distractions. Ensure that communication is the main focus, and limit conversations to one or two people to avoid overwhelming the person.

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