How to Help a Person with Communication Problems

Communication deficits can occur due to various conditions such as hearing loss, stroke, traumatic brain injury, dementia, and neurological or neuromuscular diseases. Although the symptoms of communication problems vary widely, some general guidelines can help facilitate successful communication.

Reduce Distractions

• Turn off extraneous noise such as TV, music, or radio.
• Limit the number of people in the room to reduce distractions.
• Avoid communication when the person is distracted by discomfort, pain, or fatigue. Certain times of the day, such as in the morning or after a nap, may be better for communication.

Simplify

• Handle only one idea at a time.
• Use short, simple sentences with simpler vocabulary. Speak slowly but naturally.
• Yes/no questions may be easier for some.
• When repeating, use slightly different language rather than saying the exact same sentence. This provides varied vocabulary and different words that may be understood better.

Clue Them In

• Make sure you have the person’s attention. Saying their name or using a gentle touch can help.
• Draw the person’s attention to items being discussed with gestures or pointing if this seems natural.
• Use redundant wording to help with understanding. For example, “Are you hungry enough to eat dinner?”
• Facial expressions can add meaning to your communication.
• Writing key words or using simple pictures can also be helpful for those having trouble understanding.

Allow Time

• Some people with communication deficits need extra time for understanding and responding.

Guess

• When more significant verbal problems occur, sometimes it helps to guess the topic, followed by increasingly specific questions. For example, “Is this about being in the hospital?” Then, “Are you concerned about your pills? What they are for?”

Confirm

• Make statements to clarify what you think they mean. For example, “You are concerned about your medication.”
• To clarify using yes and no questions, you can re-word the question so it requires the opposite answer. For example, “Are you hot?” (yes) “Are you cold?” (yes). An answer of yes to both questions is obviously not reliable.

Be Supportive

• If you don’t understand or if communication is too difficult, reassure them that it is all right and you can try again later.
• Avoid empty phrases such as, “You’ll be fine.” Instead, say, “I know it’s hard when you can’t find the words.”

Respect

• Just because language or speech is impaired doesn’t mean intelligence is. Include them in the conversation and never talk about them as if they weren’t there.
• Give opportunities for expression of life’s experiences and accomplishments.

Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

• Incorporate AAC tools such as communication boards, picture exchange systems, or speech-generating devices for individuals who have significant speech difficulties.
• Train family members and caregivers on how to use these tools effectively.

Maintain a Positive Environment

• Encourage a positive and supportive environment where the person feels comfortable attempting communication without fear of failure.
• Celebrate successes to build confidence and reinforce communication efforts.

Educate and Train Caregivers

• Provide education and training for caregivers on effective communication strategies tailored to the specific needs of the individual.
• Encourage caregivers to practice patience and empathy, understanding the frustration that communication difficulties can cause.

Encourage Social Interaction

• Promote social activities and group interactions to help individuals practice their communication skills in a supportive environment.
• Involve the individual in conversations even if their contribution is minimal, ensuring they feel valued and included.

For individuals with more severe communication problems, activities such as photo albums, magazines, simple puzzles or games, and scrapbooks can provide companionship without the demand for verbal communication.

Caregivers can provide a log of daily or weekly activities that can be used to stimulate simple conversation and memory. Topics relating to current social themes can provide stimulation for conversation, reminiscing, and sharing of life’s experiences and accomplishments.

Some individuals with visual or hearing impairments have a “good” side, so addressing them from this side may be helpful.

In summary, use good common sense, preserve dignity, and try to find something fun and enjoyable as the basis for communication.