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Helpful Ways to Communicate with a Loved One Who Can No Longer Speak www.careanswers.com

Helpful Ways to Communicate with a Loved One Who Can No Longer Speak

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Check out these tips on communicating with a loved one who can't speak from AgingCare.com

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Page 1: Helpful Ways to Communicate with a Loved One Who Can No Longer Speak

Helpful Ways to Communicate with a Loved One Who Can No Longer Speak

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Page 2: Helpful Ways to Communicate with a Loved One Who Can No Longer Speak

Many people have to deal with the fact that a loved one can no longer speak, which makes communication a frustrating and difficult task instead of a smooth, harmonious interaction.

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Page 3: Helpful Ways to Communicate with a Loved One Who Can No Longer Speak

It could come as a result of a stroke, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s or for some other reason, but your loved one has lost his or her ability to talk or possibly respond to your communication attempts.

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Page 4: Helpful Ways to Communicate with a Loved One Who Can No Longer Speak

This can lead to frustration for family members, who visit their loved one and tend to simply “put in time” because of the family member’s silence.

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Page 5: Helpful Ways to Communicate with a Loved One Who Can No Longer Speak

Loved ones who cannot speak are in need of patience and understanding, but there are ways to spark communication that will reduce frustration on both parties part.

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Check out these tips on communicating with a loved one who can’t speak from AgingCare.com:

Page 6: Helpful Ways to Communicate with a Loved One Who Can No Longer Speak

Tune into body language

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Someone that can’t talk is very vulnerable. He or she can’t say what feels good or what they like. When using touch or hearing, a caregiver must be sensitive to body language. Watch the person’s body language to see what should continue and what should change.

Page 7: Helpful Ways to Communicate with a Loved One Who Can No Longer Speak

Speak softly about what you are doing

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If you are providing hands-on care, say things like, “I’m going to rub lotion on your arm now. Does that feel good?” or “I’m going to style your hair now. It will look very nice.”

Page 8: Helpful Ways to Communicate with a Loved One Who Can No Longer Speak

Make sure ointments are warm, not hot

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With physical care, you can do pleasant touch therapy, such as lotion or massage oil on the arms and legs. Keep the talk soothing and the touch light. Think of what you would like if the situation were reversed.

Page 9: Helpful Ways to Communicate with a Loved One Who Can No Longer Speak

Don’t push it

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If a loved one doesn’t seem to like too much touching, try something else. Hold his or her hand and talk about familiar things like family or events they would be pleased to remember. Gently hold his or her hand. The goal is to interact in a positive, pleasurable way.

Page 10: Helpful Ways to Communicate with a Loved One Who Can No Longer Speak

Ask simple questions that require a yes/no answer

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Someone who has difficulty communicating will do better with yes/no answers than trying to “fill in the blank” with words or phrases that may be difficult to get out.

Page 11: Helpful Ways to Communicate with a Loved One Who Can No Longer Speak

Allow time for a response

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Allow the person time to respond before asking the next question. Listen with an open mind and heart as well as open ears. Be patient as the words can be difficult to form.

Page 12: Helpful Ways to Communicate with a Loved One Who Can No Longer Speak

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Page 13: Helpful Ways to Communicate with a Loved One Who Can No Longer Speak