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Caring for a Loved One With Aphasia
Our
ability to communicate with others is something most of us take for granted on
a daily basis. From small interactions, like asking someone to pass the salt,
to more extensive conversations about complicated feelings, the ability to
verbally communicate our wants and needs is a large part of the human
experience.
Aphasia,
however, occurs when someone loses their ability to communicate due to damage
to the part of the brain that impacts language.
What Is Aphasia?
Aphasia
can result from a trauma to the brain, such as a stroke, head injury, tumor, or
even an infection. It impacts all modes of language including speech, writing,
gesticulating and comprehension. Aphasia impacts roughly 2 million people in the
United States, and an estimated 180,000 cases are diagnosed each year. Strokes
are the most common cause of aphasia, and as a result, older people are the
most affected by aphasia.
If you
are caring for a loved one with aphasia, you may feel frustrated and
overwhelmed at times. This may be especially true during the early stages of a
diagnosis, but tapping into the tips listed below can help guide you through
this new reality with patience and grace.
Expand Your Toolbox
By
learning more about aphasia and the limitations your loved one is experiencing,
you can begin to alter your behavior and expectations. Once you have a better
understanding of the brain and how aphasia impacts communication skills, you
can learn some new techniques and strategies for how to communicate with your
loved one, including facilitative conversations. For example, according
to APTUS Speech Therapy, “the temptation to
fill all the silences, and to ask a question when they already know the answer
(a test question)” can serve as a barrier to communication instead of a
facilitator. Instead, the company recommends “leaving space to talk, prompting
writing or gesture, and offering comments instead of test questions.”
Limit Distractions
If you
or your loved one are used to having background noise on in the home, such as
television or radio, turning it off in order to reduce distractions while
trying to communicate can also help improve the experience for both of you.
Providing your loved one with your undivided attention is an ideal way to try
to connect with them—this is a good piece of advice both when loved ones are
able to communicate clearly and when they are struggling with language after an
aphasia diagnosis.
Take Advantage of Nonverbal Communication
Lingraphica,
a technology company that creates devices to help improve speech impairments
after a stroke or brain injury, encourages caregivers to
use a pen and paper or dry erase board to help bolster
communication with loved ones. It’s not uncommon for someone living with
aphasia to know the first letter of the word they want to use, so having
something nearby that they can write on provides a jumping-off point for them
to communicate their thoughts. The benefit, as the company describes it, is
that “as you draw and write, you can end up with a complete ‘story’ at the end
of the conversation.”
Practice Self-Care
No
matter your loved one’s condition, as their caregiver, it’s important to
replenish your own energy throughout your caregiving journey. The best way to
do this is to make time for yourself. Whether that means you make time every
day to listen to your favorite podcast or audiobook, exercise, talk with a
friend, meditate, or simply take a bubble bath, doing something kind for
yourself isn’t selfish—it’s a necessity.
Bring in a Professional
There
are a variety of resources you can tap into when you are feeling overwhelmed
about caring for your loved one with aphasia. From bringing in a professional
speech language pathologist to work with you and your loved one on tools and
techniques for improved communication, to hiring a professional
caregiver to provide you with some respite from your
caregiving duties, knowing that you are not alone on this journey can make all
the difference.
Hillary Young is a writer dedicated to helping older Americans live healthier, more fulfilling lives. She currently blogs for HuffPost50 and Medical Guardian. You can find her on Twitter as @hyoungcreative.
For home care assistance, call Right at Home located in Daphne and Mobile, Alabama.
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Loving Touch: Professional Organizers for SeniorsA home is more than just a place; its a sanctuary filled with memories, love, and comfort. For seniors, the home represents decades of life, experiences, and cherished moments. As time passes, however, maintaining this space can become overwhelming. The thought of downsizing or reorganizing can feel daunting, especially when it means parting with items that hold sentimental value. Thats where A Call to Order Professional Organizers steps in. With a loving touch, we help seniors navigate these changes, ensuring that their homes remain a reflection of who they are and what they love.Understanding the Emotional Needs of SeniorsAs we age, our connection to our homes deepens. Every corner, every item has a story, a memory attached. For seniors, the idea of reorganizing or downsizing can bring about a flood of emotionsnostalgia, fear of losing independence, and even anxiety about the future. Its not just about rearranging items; its about preserving dignity, honoring memories, and creating a space that feels safe and comforting.At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we understand that the process of organizing a seniors home is not just a physical task but an emotional journey. Our approach is centered around empathy and respect. We take the time to listen, to understand what each item means to our clients, and to ensure that their wishes are honored.We work closely with seniors to create a space that reflects their current needs while still holding onto the essence of their life story. Whether its deciding which items to keep, donate, or pass on to loved ones, we guide them through each step with patience and understanding. Our goal is not just to organize a space but to create an environment where they feel safe, loved, and at peace.Tips for a Compassionate Organizing ProcessOrganizing a seniors home requires a delicate balance of practicality and emotional sensitivity. Here are some tips to ensure that the process is both effective and compassionate:Start with a Conversation: Before diving into the organizing process, have an open conversation with your loved one. Discuss their feelings, fears, and hopes for the future. Understanding their emotional state will guide you in making decisions that respect their wishes.Take It Slow: Downsizing or organizing can be overwhelming, so its important to take it one step at a time. Break the process down into manageable tasks, focusing on one room or area at a time. This approach reduces stress and allows for thoughtful decision-making.Honor Their Memories: Recognize the sentimental value of items and find ways to honor those memories. For instance, if a senior has to part with a beloved piece of furniture, consider taking a photo of it or writing down its history. This way, the memory is preserved even if the item is no longer in the home.Involve Them in the Process: Empower seniors by involving them in the organizing process. Allow them to make decisions about what stays and what goes. This not only ensures that their wishes are respected but also helps them maintain a sense of control and independence.Create a Space for the Future: As you organize, keep in mind the future needs of your loved one. Consider their mobility, health, and daily routines. The goal is to create a space that is not only organized but also functional and safe for years to come.A Call to Order Professional Organizers is committed to providing compassionate and thoughtful organizing services for seniors. We believe that a home should be a source of comfort and joy, and our role is to help seniors maintain that sense of belonging. With our loving touch, we transform homes into spaces that are organized, functional, and filled with love. Whether its helping with a small reorganization project or guiding through the process of downsizing, we are here to support seniors every step of the way.Organizing a seniors home is about much more than decluttering; its about preserving a lifetime of memories and creating a space where they can continue to thrive. At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we approach every project with empathy, patience, and care. Our goal is to ensure that seniors feel respected, loved, and supported throughout the process. With our professional organizing services, we help seniors not just manage their space but embrace a new chapter of their lives with confidence and peace of mind.
Mobile and Baldwin County's Trusted, Quality In-Home Senior Care Provider! Right at Home offers a range of services to support individuals with serious health issues and seniors who need assistance to maintain their independence at home. Companion care focuses on providing assistance with household tasks and promoting social interaction to enhance well-being. Personal care services assist with daily activities such as hygiene and mobility, allowing seniors to remain at home with dignity. Specialty care is available for those with unique needs, with caregivers trained to provide both practical support and emotional reassurance. Nursing services provide medical support tailored to the individual's needs, ensuring quality care without the need for hospitalization. Right at Home also ensures comprehensive support for injured workers through specialized caregiver training and assistance navigating the worker's compensation process, ensuring they receive the care and resources they need to recover comfortably at home. Contact Right at Home for more information on how they can help support you and your loved ones, regardless of where the individual calls home. Accredited by The Joint Commission. Please visit www.RAHSouth.com to see all of our locations. Nurses and Social Workers can visit www.RAHCEU.com for our online continuing education units. For those seeking careers, please visit www.RAHapply.com.
Mobile and Baldwin County's Trusted, Quality In-Home Senior Care Provider! Right at Home offers a range of services to support individuals with serious health issuesand seniors who need assistance to maintain their independence at home. Companion care focuses on providing assistance with household tasks and promoting social interaction to enhance well-being. Personal care services assist with daily activities such as hygiene and mobility, allowing seniors to remain at home with dignity. Specialty care is available for those with unique needs, with caregivers trained to provide both practical support and emotional reassurance. Nursing services provide medical support tailored to the individual's needs, ensuring quality care without the need for hospitalization. Right at Home also ensures comprehensive support for injured workers through specialized caregiver training and assistance navigating the worker's compensation process, ensuring they receive the care and resources they need to recover comfortably at home. Contact Right at Home for more information on how they can help support you andyour loved ones, regardless of where the individual calls home. Accredited by The Joint Commission. Please visit www.RAHSouth.com to see all of our locations. Nurses and Social Workers can visit www.RAHCEU.com for our online continuing education units. For those seeking careers, please visit www.RAHapply.com.