4 Tips a Family Caregiver Can Use for Loved Ones with Aphasia

Caregiver in Malibu CA

Aphasia is something that elderly people often have to combat, and it’s frustrating for everyone concerned. It’s a condition in which language centers in the brain don’t work the way that they
should. Aphasia affects a person’s ability to find the right word, or sometimes any word, when they’re communicating with others. In the case of elderly loved ones, this could mean that they aren’t able to properly express needs or wants to in-home care providers or anyone else that they encounter. With a few simple tools, you can help make aphasia less frustrating for everyone.

Give Your Loved One Props to Use

Aphasia may affect your loved one’s ability to express herself, but she still does understand what she needs or wants. In moments where she loses the word for what she is trying to express, she can use a flash card or a picture to show to the person with whom she’s trying to communicate. She can keep the cards on a ring so she can flip through them easily, or the home care provider can use the cards to help define needs correctly. Either way, the cards are portable and easy to use. Other props that can come in handy are a list of frequently used sentences or phrases or even a charm bracelet with useful charms.

Have Your Loved One Draw Pictures

If your elderly relative is artistic at all, it can help to have a sketchbook handy in which he can draw quick pictures of what he is trying to express. Even if the aphasia has stolen the ability to find the word, elderly loved ones can still quickly sketch out something. Some loved ones are more frustrated with this type of communication than others, so it might not be effective for everyone. But it’s definitely something to try, particularly if your loved one is having trouble with specific situations. He can even build up his own flash cards for those situations.

Speak Slowly and Be Patient with Your Loved One

Much like stuttering, aphasia can become more of a problem the more your loved one is stressed or anxious about the situation. Let your loved one try to communicate in the best way that she can, even if that is halting and with a few misfires on finding the correct words. Caregivers are used to helping elderly loved ones who have difficulty communicating, so see if they can help you to learn to slow down your communications with your loved one.

Give Your Loved One a Note or Card to Carry

Aphasia can strike when everyone least expects it. Give your elderly relative a card to carry in his wallet or pocket that lets anyone he might encounter know that he has a problem finding the right words sometimes. The card can help others to be more patient with your elderly relative and with the process of him communicating his preferences and his needs.

When you’re helping your loved one to deal with something as frustrating as aphasia, it helps to have some tools in your arsenal. As a family caregiver, you can work with your elderly relative to help her find just what she needs to still communicate effectively.

If you or an aging loved one needs caregiver services in Malibu, CA, call Livewell Private Care at (310) 933-4986.  Servicing Los Angeles, CA and the surrounding areas.

Source
http://www.webmd.com/brain/aphasia-causes-symptoms-types-treatments?page=1#0