Family caregivers often need help communicating with seniors who have survived strokes because of the language limitations and memory problems caused by the brain attacks. Communication boards are low-tech, but these tools give seniors the ability to interact with others despite their communication challenges. Here are some tips for using a communication board with a senior loved one during stroke recovery.
Choose the Right Type
Your loved one’s limitations as well as the availability of different types of boards will generally determine which device you choose. If you have the budget for tools with laser pointers and automatic features, these boards could be more comfortable for your loved one to use. However, whiteboards, doodle devices, and regular pens and pads can be just as useful during the stroke recovery process. Keep in mind some boards rely on hand functions to operate, and the effects of a stroke can cause parts of the body to be weak or paralyzed, so the board shouldn’t require too many physical movements at the beginning of recovery.
Test the Board Out
Family caregivers should show other family members and friends how to use the new communication board. If you’ve purchased the board, the instructions should be included. Thorough explanations can help other caregivers develop effective strategies.
Once everyone is familiar with the board and ready to use it as a communication device, you’ll need to begin teaching your loved one how to use it. Explain how the communication board works. Take your time and speak clearly because your loved one’s receptive language skills may be severely impaired. Some details to discuss include the board’s layout, its features, and the setup process.
Experienced professional caregivers can often provide tips for communicating with senior stroke survivors. There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to address if their families opt for professional homecare. You can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep your loved one safe and comfortable while aging in place.
Keep the Board Accessible
Older adults need a lot of practice to enhance the cognitive functions damaged by strokes. The more they use communication boards, the more exposure they’ll have to different words, expressions, pictures, and other visual aspects of the boards. Having a communication board nearby allows your loved one to communicate without becoming frustrated and angry when cognitive limitations prevent him or her from speaking. The objective is to use the board all the time, especially during the beginning of recovery.
Having a caregiver close by can give your loved one peace of mind while he or she recovers from a stroke. If your senior loved one needs hourly or live-in care, Las Vegas Assisting Hands Home Care can help. Our caregivers can assist with exercise and mobility, prepare nutritious meals, provide timely medication reminders, and help with a wide array of other important daily tasks.
What to Include
Communication boards should be created to make daily life less challenging and enhance cognition. When choosing the types of images that will be displayed on each board, make sure those images relate to your loved one’s life. For instance, boards for senior stroke survivors might include photos that display how medications are making your loved one feel. Efficient communication boards can also display:
- Emotions
- Foods
- Physical activities
- Ailments
- Body parts
- Clothing and accessories
- Animals
The type of home care Las Vegas seniors need can vary. Some need assistance a few hours a day, while others require more extensive around-the-clock assistance. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual care needs, and the plans can be adjusted at any time. We are a trusted provider of respite and 24-hour care, and we also offer specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke care for seniors. If you need professional care for your loved one, reach out to one of our Care Managers today.
