Neurological conditions such as strokes can affect areas of the brain that control the larynx and throat, causing stroke survivors to lose their voices. To help with your aging loved one’s recovery, you need to find effective communication methods, especially if he or she is unable to speak. Here are tips that could make it easier to communicate with a senior stroke survivor who cannot talk.
Speak Clearly
When talking to your loved one, speak clearly and concisely. If you make a mistake, start the sentence over so your loved one doesn’t get confused. It’s common for family caregivers to forget their loved ones cannot talk, so they might yell questions from other rooms. Refrain from doing this. Always go into the same room with your loved one and make eye contact before moving forward. Avoid raising your voice or using condescending tones. Remember that your loved one is living with the impacts of the stroke and the inability to speak, which can be emotionally and mentally draining.
Reduce Background Noises
Visual and auditory stimulation can be beneficial to cognitive health, but too much can be harmful and confusing. Reduced background noise allows your loved one to focus on one thing at a time. When you minimize clutter in the home and the distractions within each room, it could make your loved one feel more relaxed and boost his or her brain health, which can lead to effective communication, even if he or she cannot speak.
An experienced professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support for seniors who are recovering from strokes. Families looking for top-rated in-home care providers can reach out to Home Care Assistance. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.
Monitor Expressions and Body Language
Remain attentive to your parent’s body language and other nonverbal cues. If your loved one’s breathing slows or you notice a change in his or her posture, it may be time to stop the current activity. Continuing with the task could cause stress and anxiety, which increases the risk of another stroke. Monitor your parent’s facial expressions to determine when he or she is ready to continue. If you see him or her frown or look confused, stop and try another activity or take a long break.
Certain age-related conditions can make it more challenging for seniors to age in place safely and comfortably, but Edmonton live-in care experts are available around the clock to help seniors manage their health. Whether your loved one is living with dementia or is recovering from a stroke, you can trust the professional live-in caregivers from Home Care Assistance to enhance his or her quality of life.
Avoid Multistep Questions or Instructions
Your loved one may have been great at multitasking before the stroke, but the effects of the stroke may have disrupted his or her brain function, preventing him or her from processing and storing information as quickly as in the past. Ask one question at a time, and avoid activities that require multistep instructions. Many functions are generally restored within the first three to four months following a stroke, so during this time, avoid multistep tasks and questions.
Be Patient
There will be times when your loved one cannot find the right words when using emotion cards, whiteboards, and other communication tools. You need to remain patient and provide reassurance. Even when times get difficult, refrain from being disrespectful to your loved one. Physical outbursts may occur when your loved one is uncomfortable. Since your loved one cannot speak, he or she might use physical actions to make a point. In these situations, remain calm and try to find the cause of the outburst. Emotion cards and message boards can help your loved one inform you when he or she is feeling pain, sadness, fear, and other emotions.
Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted Edmonton homecare services provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Home Care Assistance is here to help. We will work with you to create a customized home care plan that’s suited for your loved one’s unique needs. Call the Home Care Assistance team at (780) 490-7337 today.