Peers Fostering Hope Supported by the Dr Peers Fostering Hope Supported by the Dr. Ed & Bobby Yielding Fund for Stroke Recovery Communication as an effect of stroke

What is communication? Three Main Components: Speech – motor act of producing sounds to form words Language - the “dictionary” of word meanings and the rules to combine words into sentences Non-verbal (Pragmatics) - Eye contact, facial expression, personal space, tone of voice, gestures/body movements ALL of these can be affected by stroke

What is aphasia? A language difficulty. Occurs when a stroke has affected the part of the brain that holds the “dictionary/grammar”. People still think normally. There are different types of aphasia: Some people have trouble speaking. Some people have trouble understanding. Aphasia can be mild or very severe Depends on the size of the stroke and the area of the brain effected.

Simple Strategies Come to their level – pull up a chair to chat with someone who can not stand. Reduce background noise Make eye contact/speak face to face Give 1 message at a time Encourage the person with stroke to speak slowly and communicate 1 idea at a time Don’t talk too loudly – distorts message – use aids instead

Ideas for communicating Be patient Acknowledge frustrations and fears of being thought of as stupid e.g. “I know you know”. Ask for permission when you need to consult a family member e.g. “I know you know, but I don’t have much time right now. Can I ask your wife?” Deal with misunderstandings openly e.g. “I’m sorry, I know that you are trying your best to tell me, but I’m having trouble understanding your message right now.”

Ideas for communicating Acknowledge the skills of the person with aphasia, but understand that you are going to have to take on the majority of the “burden” of communication. Use communication strategies that take advantage of different, non-speech methods of communication. Eg. Supported Conversation for Adults with Aphasia (SCA)™ Do not try to rehabilitate language. Repeating words or sounds is not communicating. Look for the suggestions from the speech language pathologist

Ideas for communicating Remember: It takes time to become comfortable using different communication strategies. Some strategies will be more effective with certain people and with the same person at different times. Every person with aphasia is different, so keep trying!

Communication ‘Tool Box’

Putting your skills to use Go on the aphasia Institute website and download some pictographic images to allow peers to practice having a conversation with someone who has aphasia. Have markers and paper available for those who are able to write.

Debrief What was that experience life for you?