How to Communicate with Stroke Patients

A stroke can cause vision issues; paralysis to the left portion of the body; fast, inquisitive behaviors; and memory loss. Due to these limitations, communication with a stroke patient is not always easy. According to the American Heart Association, there are approximately 6,500,000 stroke survivors living today in the United States. Further, 795,000 individuals have a stroke that is new or recurring every year. The following techniques can help you to communicate effectively with a stroke patient.

Instructions

Communicating with a Stroke Patient

• 1

  Learn all you can about stroke, including the different types of strokes, their symptoms and preventive measures to avoid strokes. Understanding the illness makes you more empathetic toward the patient and increases your communication skills with him. The American Stroke Association's website (see Resources section) has comprehensive information on the condition. You can also visit your local library to gain in-depth knowledge.

• 2

  Accept the communication the stroke patient uses. Her ability to speak might be severely impaired. To communicate with you, she might make signs with her hands. Learn the signals she is conveying and use them to speak back to her. If her speech is slow and distorted (slurred), speak in a regular tone of voice. Use simple words to prevent misinterpretations. Allow her plenty of time to express herself.

• 3

  Be a good listener and avoid talking down to the patient. Aphasia is a disorder most frequently caused by stroke. It occurs when the language centers of the brain are damaged. The patient's ability to communicate becomes more limited with this condition; however, his hearing will most likely still be intact. He can speak, just not as effectively as before. Speak slowly (not louder) when communicating with him.

• 4

  Be prepared for the emotional ups and downs that the stroke patient undergoes. Her condition might lead to clinical depression. Her self-esteem might waver. She might become withdrawn or irritable. If she exhibits signs of depression for long periods of time or if her symptoms become severe, call her mental health professional for help.

• 5

  Join support groups (see Resources section). These community organizations are designed for stroke survivors, and their families and friends. Members can learn more about stroke, share their experiences with the illness, and gain the inspiration necessary to progress after a stroke. A stroke can be an isolating experience. Support groups allow the affected parties to bond, socialize, gain useful feedback and discover how meaningful life can be.