Optimizing Communication for Stroke-Related Dementia: 5 Practical Tips
After a stroke, there may be changes to communication. These changes might include difficulties saying the words or writing them. There also might be difficulties reading or processing what others are saying.
Speech therapy is beneficial after stroke but it can be difficult to access certain therapy tasks when someone also has dementia. By offering opportunities for shared communication, we can enhance wellbeing for those we care for.
Follow these tips to get started.
1
Turn off any competing noise (TV, radio). Try reading aloud a short newspaper article (The Happy Newspaper is an up-lifting resource) or a poem.
If they are able to indicate a preference, offer them a choice of 2 and read their chosen piece.
Read slowly and ensure you are seated so they can see you. Notice their facial expression, any sounds or words they say in response. They may join in with well-known poems / verses or watch you whilst you read.
2
Listen to their favourite music together. Notice if they tap along to the beat or sing and join in with them.
3
Place one of their everyday items in their hand(s). Describe the item to them whilst they hold it. You can move their hands over the item gently, to allow them to feel different aspects as you describe them e.g. the bristles of a brush.
4
Talk through a task whilst you do it. For example whilst putting hand cream on, combing their hair or washing their face. Talk about the scent of the hand cream, how good their hair looks or the temperature of the water.
5
Sign up for free audio books (search engines will reveal many available options). You can also record yourself or other friends and family reading aloud their favourite book, a passage from a newspaper or sacred text.
For more information on supporting communication in dementia after stroke:
