A stroke victim’s neurological problems aren’t over after he or she comes home from the hospital. In particular, aphasia ““ difficulties speaking, writing or understanding written or spoken language ““ is a common problem for stroke survivors.
About 25 to 40 percent of people who survive a stroke develop aphasia, which usually results after a stroke affecting the left side of the brain, where language originates. Other brain injuries, including tumor and concussion, can also result in aphasia.
Taking away communication skills
The condition can be devastating, impacting a stroke survivor’s ability to work and communicate with loved ones. Depending on the type of aphasia, the survivor might be unable to understand questions from people or be unable to ask questions themselves, or even order a meal at a restaurant. It’s not uncommon for people with aphasia to feel depressed, frustrated and isolated, according to the American Stroke Association.
Here are some tips for coping with the condition, both for stroke survivors and their friends and families.
For survivors:
- Learn as much as you can about aphasia and how to manage it. It’s good preparation for you and your loved ones.
- Be flexible. Don’t be afraid to use sign language, written words, picture books or an electronic speech device. And if you need to, take along a prop. If you need a new lipstick, for example, take the old one with you to the makeup counter so the clerk knows what you need.
- Find a quiet spot to practice conversation one-on-one with a friend or loved one. As you gain confidence, bring more people into the group.
- Find a support group, and if you can, work with a speech therapist.
- Practice speaking common phrases if you’re going out to a party or other event.
- Ask people to slow down if they speak too fast.
- Let people know ““ especially waiters, salesclerks, etc. ““ that you have a problem, and make sure they can understand you.
- Don’t hide yourself away. Meet as often as you can with friends and family, and find a support group of stroke survivors or aphasia patients who understand what you’re going through.
For loved ones:
- Make sure you have the person’s attention before you start speaking, advises the National Aphasia Association.
- Minimize or eliminate background noise, including noise from radios, TVs, traffic, etc.
- Keep your voice at a normal level; the stroke victim is not hearing-impaired.
- Don’t “talk down” to the person with aphasia. Speak slowly and clearly in simple, direct sentences.
- Give the person time to respond, and try to resist the urge to finish his or her sentences. Aphasia doesn’t just affect a person’s physical ability to form sound and words; it also impacts their ability to think of and speak the correct words. A person with aphasia might say, “bicycle,” for example, when he or she means “car.” They’re both transportation devices with wheels, after all.
- Try using written words, sign language, drawings or even photos, if necessary.
- Confirm that they understand what you’re saying or asking by using “yes” or “no” questions.
- Praise their efforts. Even people without aphasia mispronounce words or use words incorrectly.
- Keep people with aphasia involved in day-to-day activities as much as possible. Try not to exclude them from group conversations.
- Try not to be overprotective of loved ones with aphasia. It seems kind, but it can be very isolating, and when people understand what aphasia is, they’re usually much more amenable to working with the person affected.
