SLT calls Brenda

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Is that Brenda, Deirdre’s daughter? Hi, it’s the SLT from the stroke ward. I work with your mum and I wanted to explain what my assessments are showing. Is that OK?

That would be great. I’m glad you called. I’m really worried about my mum. She doesn’t seem herself. She is unrealistic about her progress and disinterested in the grandchildren, which isn’t like her at all, and she keeps butting in. She can talk without slurring her speech now, but not the way she used to. It’s like she uses loads of words but can’t get out what she wants to say. And her choice of topics seems really random and bizarre.

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OK. This makes sense you know. I think the type of stroke your mum has had is impacting on her ability to communicate effectively. It’s not unusual to notice the types of changes you have highlighted. You are right her slurred speech has now improved, but it’s the way that she communicates that has changed. My assessment results do tie in with what you are saying.

Oh thank goodness! I thought my mum was just being difficult!

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It’s very common for families to feel that way. Your mum finds it hard to know when it is her turn to speak in a conversation and that’s why she frequently butts in. She also has problems sticking to one topic of conversation or changing the topic of conversation. That can make conversations challenging!

Yes, that makes sense and fits with how mum has been.

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Also, she may misinterpret what you are saying and take things very literally. For example if you say you have ‘butterflies in your tummy’ she may look at you strangely and ask why there are insects in your stomach!

OK, I see.

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She also talks a lot about herself and doesn’t always make good eye contact. She has little awareness that she is behaving in this way and thinks that everything with her is fine and that she can just go home. All of these difficulties are a direct result of your mum’s right hemisphere stroke.

Thank you for taking the time to explain things to me. Will mum get better? Is she always going to be like this?

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It’s difficult to predict how your mum will progress at this stage but I think we can look at working on some of these areas in her SLT sessions. I think that you coming in and sitting in with us could be very helpful and we can work through some strategies that will help you and your mum communicate more easily.

That sounds very helpful. Thanks so much.