Learning About Your Health
Speech Language Pathology: Tips for Improving Communication with Someone after a Brain Injury
If your loved one is having a difficult time communicating, it is important for you to understand some strategies that can help.
- Be sure she/he can see your face
- Stand between 2 and 5 feet away
- Be sure she/he is sitting/lying/standing in a comfortable posture
- Reduce distractions - TV, radio, other conversations, environmental noise
- Approach him/her on the side which he/she prefers. (Later on you can try moving to the more neglected side, encouraging him/her to maintain attention)
- Make sure to get his/her attention before you start talking
- Speak slowly, simply and clearly
- Talk about subjects that are of a personal nature, or of specific interest to the person
- Stay on one subject at a time. Avoid jumping from one topic to another
- Use short, complete sentences
- Pause between sentences
- Repeat and reword or rephrase
- Use gestures and facial expression as well as words
- Allow time for responses. Don't rush
- Pay attention to his/her facial expression and body language. Is he/she interested, happy, bored, upset, sad, worried or impatient?
- Treat him/her with respect. He/she is able to understand more than his/her ability to communicate indicates. Include him/her in your conversations
- Allow for rest periods. Reduce stimulation/activity when he/she is tired