Communication tips

Treat people as individuals. Every person who has had a Stroke is different.

• Slow down and talk in short, clear sentences.
• Ask direct questions that can be answered with “yes” or “no” For example “would you like a cup of tea?”
• Give the person plenty of time to answer.
• Use words like who, what, where, and when. Eg “ Your brush is where?”
• Don’t shout at the person – they’re not deaf!
• When starting to speak, give the person time to tune in.
  – Touch the person and pause.
  – Say their name first.
• Use a Verbal lead in.
  – For example “Oh by the way, I meant to ask you…”
  – Or, “What do you think about…”
• Place the key word at the end of a sentence.
  – “What do you want for dinner?”
  – “It’s time for your bath.”
  – “You have a visitor – it’s Tony.”
  – “Shall we get in the car?”
• Never assume that the person is not trying.
• Never talk about the person as if they are not there.
• Always ensure that the person is comfortable.
• Remember, people affected by Stroke sometimes can’t feel one side of their body, or may have some vision impairment.
• Try to ignore outbursts of weeping, anger, laughing or swearing – some people can’t control this.