Being in a busy hospital environment can be challenging for someone with aphasia. Background noise, interruptions and interacting with lots of different people can all have an impact.
Now you know about Steven, which of the following activities might he find challenging?
Participating in washing and dressing
Verbal instructions from staff may be difficult to understand and reduce his confidence. If staff need to explain what is happening they should use demonstration and gesture to help his understanding of the task and avoid complex verbal instructions e.g. inviting him to the shower room and gesturing washing; demonstrate dressing technique compensating for his right arm weakness.
Making meal choices
Being expected to read and complete the menu choices alone could be disempowering. He may not feel confident to ask for help. Pictorial support can help or take the time to read through the choices with him presenting slowly with time to consider.
Taking medications
For Steven to progress to self–administering, he will need to understand the dosage advice and will need support to understand why new medicines are being prescribed. Reading labels is difficult for him. Remember that aphasia affects language, not intelligence. You can check his understanding by asking him to show you what he has to take.
Engaging in the ward round
It might be difficult for Steven to follow what is being discussed unless staff adapt their communication and make an effort to include him. Being asked “testing questions” during a ward round with a group of people could be humiliating. Support his involvement in the ward round by giving extra time, position yourself well to maintain eye contact and pick up on any signs of frustration or stress.
Conversations with visitors
His visitors and family will need support to learn about his aphasia and how they can support him in conversation or visiting times could become frustrating for all when communication breaks down. Group conversations will be more difficult for Steven but social contact is important. Staff keeping the family up-dated will reduce their need to ask Steven lots of questions, which can reduce the stress and make their visits more enjoyable.
Participating in therapy sessions
All staff working with Steven should plan their approach using communication support principles to help Steven understand what is happening. Some formal assessments will not be suitable if they are reliant on understanding verbal instructions. More time should be allocated to allow Steven to ask his questions.
Maintaining a toileting routine
Steven might not be confident in asking for assistance. Establishing a reliable yes and no response e.g. thumbs up or down or using a pictorial chart can reduce any embarrassment.
Enjoying a newspaper/book or TV programme
All his usual leisure activities will be much more difficult and tiring. Look out for signs of frustration or low mood. Taking time to have a short conversation, accepting any attempt at communication rather than demanding speech will provide re-assurance.
Page last reviewed: 19 Jan 2021
