How can I help my spouse or loved one with aphasia?
Quick answer: Be their advocate, learn the resources so they can keep practicing, and help friends and family keep including them, with simple changes like shorter sentences and yes/no questions.
Start now: Learn about and gather all the resources you can, so your loved one can keep practicing between sessions. They can try free naming practice right now →
1. Be their advocate
If you feel in your heart, at the hospital or the skilled nursing facility, that they're not getting enough speech therapy, speak up. Complain. Be the squeaky wheel. Learn that as a skill.
2. Learn the resources
3. Help your circle understand
Help the people further out in your circle of friends and family understand that this is still the person you love. They still need connection, belonging, and friendship.
Even if they can't communicate the same way, the presence of those people goes a long way. It tells them they belong, that we love them, that we enjoy their company.
Teach others what this person needs to communicate. Shorter phrases instead of long, complicated sentences. Yes/no questions. Whatever is specific to your person.
https://www.tiktok.com/@instrumentalslp/video/7686259042167147789
What the research says
Training family and friends to communicate with someone who has aphasia is backed by research. A 2016 systematic review found that every one of the 25 studies it included reported positive changes from this kind of training, called communication partner training. It's probably effective for improving everyday communication for people with chronic aphasia. Ask your speech therapist to show you the strategies that work for your person.
Sources
🖨️ Before you go — free flashcards
20 picture cards. Print them at home. Practice every day. Plus a bonus workbook preview.