Providing Tools for Effective Speech

Including a partner to provide supervised communication practice as part of rehabilitative training is not limited by diagnosis or the setting in which an older adult is treated. By incorporating this type of instruction in speech and language therapy, a speech-language pathologist provides tools for enhancing typical communication experiences that older adults may encounter outside the clinic. In residential or outpatient settings, partners can attend treatment sessions to learn specifics related to the individual who is affected. Home care easily lends itself to partner involvement when there is a partner who shares the residence.

Absence of a support person in the life of an older adult with a communication disorder is especially challenging. The nature of communication requires at least two participants. One criterion for treatment planning is developing functional skills. While a person typically reads a newspaper or writes a check alone, a listener is required to validate a speaker’s message. The elder without family or friends who are available to participate in treatment lacks a vital piece of the communication rehabilitation experience. Volunteers could potentially be involved to provide conversational practice for such a person. A volunteer who is trained by a speech-language pathologist is then available not only as a companion but also to provide opportunity for the impaired communicator to hone skills.

Losing the ability to communicate is a devastating experience. Impairments of speech, language, reading, writing, or comprehension substantially impact a person’s connection to others. Conversational practice is an important element of rehabilitation for an older adult with an acquired communication disorder. While a speech-language pathologist can provide practice by conversing with a patient, training other partners affords additional advantages. This aspect of training nurtures the true connection, the ability to express opinions, hopes, and fears in addition to basic needs. A trained clinician can observe conversation and provide feedback for both partners to increase their communication success. This allows smoother transitions from clinic to real world and provides the tools to support patients as well as their loved ones.

— Deborah Crabbs MacDonald, MS, CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield, Mass.

 

Aids for Aphasia

The Aphasia Institute in Toronto “is an internationally recognized Canadian resource that works in partnership with communities and others to break down language barriers, build communication ramps, and rebuild lives for those affected by aphasia,” according to the organization’s website. The institute trains volunteers to act as communication partners for people with aphasia. Training is also available for speech-language pathologists and other healthcare professionals.

In addition to working directly with older adults with aphasia and their families, the center advocates opportunities for elders to live their lives as fully as possible. The institute publishes printed resources for professionals who work with patients with aphasia. There are also publications available that are specifically designed for older adults whose language has been affected by aphasia. These guidebooks use pictographs to promote easy comprehension for older adults who may experience reading impairment. The Aphasia Institute’s website—www.aphasia.ca—includes descriptions of the various training programs offered, lists of publications available, related resources, and contact information.