Communicating with someone with aphasia!
When we are talking to someone with aphasia, we want to make sure that we support their levels of comprehension and make sure that we are fully understood.
There are a number of ways of doing this:
*Slow down your speech rate, use lots of pauses.
* If you are introducing a difficult topic, repeating or rephrasing, slow down even more.
* Within a sentence, produce words clearly and slowly.
* Break a longer sentence into chunks and use pauses between sections.
* Allow plenty of time to respond especially if you are expecting an answer.
* Use simple straightforward sentences and specify who, what, where and when.
* Introduce new topics, e.g. Did you hear about.....
* Repeat the key words in a sentence. The key words are the most important words in a sentence that will allow someone to comprehend.
* Use the persons name before starting a conversation.
* Do not use any patronizing language or tone.
Remember that intelligence is not affected with aphasia!
Do you find any of these tips useful? Please let us know what works and what doesn't.
A SCSS sponsored link: https://www.facebook.com/TheSpeechTherapyCentre
Rebecca Kipping
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Monday, February 24, 2014
DO YOU HAVE TROUBLE UNDERSTANDING CONVERSATIONS ON TV?
If your like me, after your stroke you may have issues understanding what is being said on a television.
In fact, I was so bad I thought I would not be able to join the family to watch a movie until my brain stopped doing this.
Recently I purchased a pair of wireless headphones that connect to your TV.
Guess what!
I can watch a movie with the family again! Took away about 90% of my understanding issues away. For a stroke survivor it's a life changer!
I did not review them, but here are some links where you can buy a pair.
TREATING LOVED ONES AS IF THEIR NEVER GOING TO DIE
I shared this a few ago and I am trying hard to live it. I'm finding it hard because my training for my brain early in my life I was not taught this.
So I find a battle within my brain fighting this new way of thinking and treating my life.
When I can implement this new way of thinking I find myself filled with a deep thankfulness that is like non I've ever experienced.
It makes you treat those special to you, our loved ones so differently knowing they will not always be with us.
So I am committed to trying to retrain my brain each and every day until it becomes who I am.
BE PATIENT UNDER MAJOR RECONSTRUCTION!
So I find a battle within my brain fighting this new way of thinking and treating my life.
When I can implement this new way of thinking I find myself filled with a deep thankfulness that is like non I've ever experienced.
It makes you treat those special to you, our loved ones so differently knowing they will not always be with us.
So I am committed to trying to retrain my brain each and every day until it becomes who I am.
BE PATIENT UNDER MAJOR RECONSTRUCTION!
Saturday, February 22, 2014
DYSARTHRIA CAUSES ISOLATION
I have noticed something that has occurred over the last 3 years since my stroke. Not being able to walk, not being able to move the left side of my body and not being able to speak well I can deal with but this one is extremely frustrating.
Because of my Dysarthria and my inability to understand verbal language with any background noise nor understand a movie on family movie night, During these times, I wheel myself to the computer and FaceBook where I can 100% understand written or typed words and communicate with no issues.
Wanting so bad to be with and interact with the family, I have sat through or joined in numerous family gatherings not being able to understand anything.
I'm really hoping this gets better with time. The brain heals so, so slow. I hope someday my brain will get better and let me join in once again.
I truly believe I have the most awesome and amazing family on the planet! I could not imagine going through this life shattering event except with my awesome family!
Because of my Dysarthria and my inability to understand verbal language with any background noise nor understand a movie on family movie night, During these times, I wheel myself to the computer and FaceBook where I can 100% understand written or typed words and communicate with no issues.
Wanting so bad to be with and interact with the family, I have sat through or joined in numerous family gatherings not being able to understand anything.
I'm really hoping this gets better with time. The brain heals so, so slow. I hope someday my brain will get better and let me join in once again.
I truly believe I have the most awesome and amazing family on the planet! I could not imagine going through this life shattering event except with my awesome family!
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Monday, February 17, 2014
Saturday, February 15, 2014
JUST IN CASE YOU CAN HELP SCSS?
Just in case...................
Priority Needs.
1. Hire Attorney to file SCSS nonprofit status ($400.00)
2. Pay for SCSS Domain ($100.00)
3. Launch SCSS eCommerce Stores ($240.00)
File for Best Therapy International business license ($100.00)
Thursday, February 13, 2014
THEY SOUND LIKE A PACK OF OLD ENGLISH BULL DOGS
Ok look.............
We as stroke survivors can not EVER expect the family to stop getting together and having fun...........never!
But do they know they turn into what sounds like a pack of dogs? lol
My stroke brain hears sounds but it sounds like a bunch of dogs talking...............Just Sayin!
We as stroke survivors can not EVER expect the family to stop getting together and having fun...........never!
But do they know they turn into what sounds like a pack of dogs? lol
My stroke brain hears sounds but it sounds like a bunch of dogs talking...............Just Sayin!
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
SPEECH THERAPY IN THE U.K.
Do you guys want to hear just how awesome and worldwide SCSS is?
I was on FB messaging a Speech Therapist in our SCSS UK Chapter and utilizing the voice recorder I was able to in real time let her hear my voice, run some self tests in the mirror, got exercises that will help me with my Dislarthia. ...
All you awesome speech therapists there's something huge here!
Creative brain is going big time!
Monday, February 10, 2014
WISH I WOULD HAVE KNOWN THIS EARLIER
WAM (What's on Aaron's Mind)
So I'm posting this again because I believe there is so much truth in it.
So I'm posting this again because I believe there is so much truth in it.
When we live like we are never going to die, we take so many things in our lives for granted.
Like the presence of a loved one, The ability to toss our kid's in the air, the loving touch of your soul mate, just to name a very few. You have your own.
The circle of life completes itself for all mankind.
Funny if your like me, your brought up not to talk about death.
But maybe its the 100% truth I've attached! You decide.....
WHAT IS DYSARTHRIA?
A post from The Speech Therapy Centre
Dysarthria is a term used to describe difficulties in speech caused by weakness in the muscles used in speech.
It is called a ‘motor speech disorder’.
This may affect the muscles you use to move your tongue, lips or mouth, control your breathing when you speak or produce your voice.
Speech may be slurred, imprecise or there may be poor control over the volume, quality or pitch of speech. It may be a struggle to make certain tongue movements or control lip movements.
Some people may only be able to produce short phrases, single words or they may find it a challenge to use speech.
Many people with dysarthria have difficulties with saliva control or difficulties with swallowing.
This can make communication difficult and frustrating and it may affect social interaction, employment and education.
If muscles are weak, they can be prone to fatigue. This may mean that you feel your speech is worse when you are tired.
Some tips when speaking to someone with dysarthria:
• Reduce distractions and background noise when you have a conversation.
• Watch the person as they talk. It can be easier to understand if you look at their mouth to see the sounds they are trying to make.
• After speaking, allow them plenty of time to respond. If they feel rushed or pressured to speak, they may become anxious, which can then affect their ability to communicate.
• Avoid finishing their sentences or correcting any errors in their language as this may cause resentment and frustration. Ask what the person prefers.
• Support the person with the use of total communication, e.g, does it help for them to write down key words to help you understand?
• If you do not understand what they are trying to say, do not pretend you understand. They may find this patronising and upsetting. It's always best to be honest about your lack of understanding. You could ask for clarification by asking yes/no questions or paraphrasing - for example, say: "Did you ask me if I'd been to the shop?"
• If the person with dysarthria is trying to give you a lot of information, they may find it helpful to break this down into smaller chunks of information at a time. Support the use of small more simple sentences.
Is dysarthria a challenge for you?
A post from The Speech Therapy Centre
Dysarthria is a term used to describe difficulties in speech caused by weakness in the muscles used in speech.
It is called a ‘motor speech disorder’.
This may affect the muscles you use to move your tongue, lips or mouth, control your breathing when you speak or produce your voice.
Speech may be slurred, imprecise or there may be poor control over the volume, quality or pitch of speech. It may be a struggle to make certain tongue movements or control lip movements.
Some people may only be able to produce short phrases, single words or they may find it a challenge to use speech.
Many people with dysarthria have difficulties with saliva control or difficulties with swallowing.
This can make communication difficult and frustrating and it may affect social interaction, employment and education.
If muscles are weak, they can be prone to fatigue. This may mean that you feel your speech is worse when you are tired.
Some tips when speaking to someone with dysarthria:
• Reduce distractions and background noise when you have a conversation.
• Watch the person as they talk. It can be easier to understand if you look at their mouth to see the sounds they are trying to make.
• After speaking, allow them plenty of time to respond. If they feel rushed or pressured to speak, they may become anxious, which can then affect their ability to communicate.
• Avoid finishing their sentences or correcting any errors in their language as this may cause resentment and frustration. Ask what the person prefers.
• Support the person with the use of total communication, e.g, does it help for them to write down key words to help you understand?
• If you do not understand what they are trying to say, do not pretend you understand. They may find this patronising and upsetting. It's always best to be honest about your lack of understanding. You could ask for clarification by asking yes/no questions or paraphrasing - for example, say: "Did you ask me if I'd been to the shop?"
• If the person with dysarthria is trying to give you a lot of information, they may find it helpful to break this down into smaller chunks of information at a time. Support the use of small more simple sentences.
Is dysarthria a challenge for you?
It is called a ‘motor speech disorder’.
This may affect the muscles you use to move your tongue, lips or mouth, control your breathing when you speak or produce your voice.
Speech may be slurred, imprecise or there may be poor control over the volume, quality or pitch of speech. It may be a struggle to make certain tongue movements or control lip movements.
Some people may only be able to produce short phrases, single words or they may find it a challenge to use speech.
Many people with dysarthria have difficulties with saliva control or difficulties with swallowing.
This can make communication difficult and frustrating and it may affect social interaction, employment and education.
If muscles are weak, they can be prone to fatigue. This may mean that you feel your speech is worse when you are tired.
Some tips when speaking to someone with dysarthria:
• Reduce distractions and background noise when you have a conversation.
• Watch the person as they talk. It can be easier to understand if you look at their mouth to see the sounds they are trying to make.
• After speaking, allow them plenty of time to respond. If they feel rushed or pressured to speak, they may become anxious, which can then affect their ability to communicate.
• Avoid finishing their sentences or correcting any errors in their language as this may cause resentment and frustration. Ask what the person prefers.
• Support the person with the use of total communication, e.g, does it help for them to write down key words to help you understand?
• If you do not understand what they are trying to say, do not pretend you understand. They may find this patronising and upsetting. It's always best to be honest about your lack of understanding. You could ask for clarification by asking yes/no questions or paraphrasing - for example, say: "Did you ask me if I'd been to the shop?"
• If the person with dysarthria is trying to give you a lot of information, they may find it helpful to break this down into smaller chunks of information at a time. Support the use of small more simple sentences.
Is dysarthria a challenge for you?
Sunday, February 9, 2014
SCSS OFFICIAL MISSION STATEMENT
Our SCSS Mission
To give hope to the hopless. Bring light into one of life's darkest moments. Give stroke survivors a place to connect with other stroke survivors worldwide so they know their not alone. To provide a place they can find inspiration and resources that help with their recovery.
Raise stroke awareness worldwide. Provide support for their family and friends.
CHECK OUT THE NEW THERAPY VIDEOS!
If you like what you see leave a comment at the bottom of web page please.
Don't forget to LIKE and SHARE!
SIGN UP NOW FOR THE ALL NEW SCSS QUARTERLY NEWS LETTER!
Stay in the know about Second Chance Stroke Survivors! Sign up for our free news letter!
Friday, February 7, 2014
RAISING STROKE AWARENESS!
My top 3 picks
Raising Stroke Awareness.
What is stroke
Pediatric Stroke
WHAT'S YOURS?
Post your top 3 in comments located
Post your top 3 in comments located
at bottom of web page!
WHAT'S NEW ON THE SCSS WEBSITE
Where I'm at with our awesome SCSS website. http://2livesin1.wix.com/scss
RECENT CHANGES
* Moot Forum Added (Start any conversation about any topic) Located under "More" tab.
* Videos library - Therapy, Raising Stroke Awareness, Stroke Survivor Stories - Hover over the "Videos" tab.
* Search Feature added to SCSS website. Located on home page upper right on image rotator.
* Member log in located upper right on Home Page. (with one click FaceBook log in).
* SCSS Dnation Page created - Located under "More" tab.
* FaceBook hyperlink created.Click on the F and will launch SCSS FaceBook Page.
* FaceBook "Like", "Share" buttons added to home screen.
*FaceBook "Comments" added to the bottom of every page.
* Added "Frequently Asked Questions" page. Located under "More" tab.
* Started a worldwide "Durable Medical Equipment Pay It Forward page. Located under "More" tab.
* Created an "Events" page. Located under "More" tab.
* Created an "Inspirational Quotes" library of my top picks. Located under "More" tab.
Future Projects
* Create live FaceBook feed, so all my FaceBook posts are seen on website.
* Install a video chat for all members to use.
* Create Stroke Connect page. Allowing members to input their location to "Connect" with other stroke survivors in their local area.
* Create a local Support Groups page so members can find Stroke Survivors Support Groups in their local area.
And so so much more!
Do you have an idea for the new SCSS website? Would you like to suggest something?
Email me at: 2livesin1@gmail.com
RECENT CHANGES
* Moot Forum Added (Start any conversation about any topic) Located under "More" tab.
* Videos library - Therapy, Raising Stroke Awareness, Stroke Survivor Stories - Hover over the "Videos" tab.
* Search Feature added to SCSS website. Located on home page upper right on image rotator.
* Member log in located upper right on Home Page. (with one click FaceBook log in).
* SCSS Dnation Page created - Located under "More" tab.
* FaceBook hyperlink created.Click on the F and will launch SCSS FaceBook Page.
* FaceBook "Like", "Share" buttons added to home screen.
*FaceBook "Comments" added to the bottom of every page.
* Added "Frequently Asked Questions" page. Located under "More" tab.
* Started a worldwide "Durable Medical Equipment Pay It Forward page. Located under "More" tab.
* Created an "Events" page. Located under "More" tab.
* Created an "Inspirational Quotes" library of my top picks. Located under "More" tab.
Future Projects
* Create live FaceBook feed, so all my FaceBook posts are seen on website.
* Install a video chat for all members to use.
* Create Stroke Connect page. Allowing members to input their location to "Connect" with other stroke survivors in their local area.
* Create a local Support Groups page so members can find Stroke Survivors Support Groups in their local area.
And so so much more!
Do you have an idea for the new SCSS website? Would you like to suggest something?
Email me at: 2livesin1@gmail.com
ALLOT MORE TO COME!
Thursday, February 6, 2014
WANT SECOND CHANCE STROKE SURVIVORS TO PROMOTE YOUR STROKE OR APHASIA EVENT?
We have added a new event calender to SCSS website!
So if you have an event that helps stroke survivors or someone living with aphasia and SCSS can help you promote it.............
Send an email with all the details to: 2livesin1@gmail.com. Have a color jpeg formatted flyer? We will promote it on FaceBook!
So if you have an event that helps stroke survivors or someone living with aphasia and SCSS can help you promote it.............
Send an email with all the details to: 2livesin1@gmail.com. Have a color jpeg formatted flyer? We will promote it on FaceBook!
**TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE THE PLANET A BETTER PLACE**
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
THE 3 C's OF LIFE - (Shared by SCSS member David Houser)
The 3 C's of life:
1. Choice..........
2. Chance..........
3. Change..........
You must make a choice to take a
chance or your life will never change.
DO YOU HAVE A FRIEND THAT IS AN ATTORNEY?
SCSS Needs an attorney that is willing to help SCSS and donate his/her time to file the needed paperwork for SCSS non profit status.- California
Know an attorney willing to help stroke survivors?
Email me at: 2livesin1@gmail.com
Thanks,
Aaron
Know an attorney willing to help stroke survivors?
Email me at: 2livesin1@gmail.com
Thanks,
Aaron
Sunday, February 2, 2014
WAM (What's on Aaron's Mind) MY VISION
My Vision for SCSS and all members .................
As you all know I've been busy creating an SCSS website and mobile website.
I have also created two eCommerce sites under the more tab.
My vision for the SCSS eCommerce site is to offer to all members a platform to raise money for themselves and their family to sell whatever. SCSS will charge a small % to manage and market it! You get the profits!
You'll need a PayPal account.
As long it does not conflict with Rebecca's new company: Best Therapy International.
Do you make something? Creativity can make you money? Need a platform to sell and make money? SCSS has you covered!
Should be completed in a month!
With love,
Aaron
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