Aphasia in the family changes everyday life and communication between loved ones. Although it affects the specific person, its impact extends to the entire family dynamic.
What is changing?
- Communication becomes slower and often frustrating;
- Situations that used to be natural (phone call, order in a restaurant) now require effort and strategy;
- Roles in the family may change – the partner takes on more responsibilities.
What helps?
- Acceptance: Aphasia is not "laziness", but the result of brain damage;
- Support: Shared efforts and understanding make the path easier;
- New ways of communication: Language communication maps, gestures, applications;
- Speech therapy: Supports recovery and orients the family.
Practical tips for communication:
- Ask simple questions with unambiguous answers;
- Be patient – leave time for an answer;
- Check understanding, in case of doubt;
- Use the same aids;
- Prepare a "map of the person with aphasia" – short written information for communication with strangers. An example can be found on the stroke.bg Support
from the project:
The project "I Communicate with Aphasia: in a Doctor's and Dental Office" also draws attention to the role of the family. Guidelines for relatives, communication materials and assistance for speech therapists are provided.
The Association for Stroke and Aphasia assists in finding speech therapists, supports families and promotes awareness. Contact: 0700 11 404, info@stroke.bg, stroke.bg
The project "I Communicate with Aphasia: in a Doctor's and Dental Office" is funded by the Social Innovations Program of Sofia Municipality. The resources will be available on the site at the end of November.