Supporting a Loved One with Aphasia: 10 Tips That Truly Help
When someone you love is diagnosed with aphasia, it can feel overwhelming. Suddenly, conversations that once flowed easily are full of stops, starts, and frustration. You want to help—but where do you begin?
Aphasia is a language disorder that affects a person’s ability to communicate. It often occurs after a stroke, brain injury, or neurological illness, and can impact speaking, understanding, reading, or writing—sometimes all four. While aphasia doesn’t affect intelligence, it can drastically change how a person interacts with the world.
The good news? Support from family and friends makes a huge difference.
Here are 10 practical, proven tips to help you become a strong ally for your loved one as they navigate aphasia.
1. Learn About Aphasia
Before you can help, you need to understand what you’re dealing with. Aphasia isn’t just "trouble talking"—it’s a complex condition that varies greatly depending on the type and severity. Some people may struggle to find words (expressive aphasia), while others might not understand language (receptive aphasia), or a mix of both (global aphasia).
Start by learning from credible sources:
● American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
● National Aphasia Association
● Your loved one’s speech-language pathologist (SLP)
Knowledge reduces frustration and helps you respond with patience, not panic.
2. Be Patient. Really Patient.
Conversations with someone who has aphasia can be slow, repetitive, or confusing. It may take multiple tries to get a single idea across.
Here’s what helps:
● Give time. Don’t rush or finish their sentences.
● Stay calm. Your loved one may pick up on your frustration.
● Keep your expectations flexible. Success may look different day to day.
Even small victories—like finding the right word or responding with a gesture—deserve celebration.
3. Simplify Without Being Condescending
There’s a fine line between simplifying your language and speaking down to someone. Aphasia doesn’t affect intelligence, so talk like an adult—just more clearly.
Tips:
● Use shorter sentences.
● Speak at a slower pace.
● Emphasize key words.
● Use simple but respectful vocabulary.
Don’t exaggerate or shout unless the person has a hearing issue. It’s about clarity, not volume.
4. Use Visuals, Gestures, and Writing
Language is more than just words. People with aphasia often benefit from multimodal communication—a fancy way of saying “use whatever works.”
Try:
● Gestures or pointing
● Photos or drawings
● Written keywords
● Apps or communication boards
For example, if you’re asking “Do you want tea or coffee?”—show the two cups or write the words down. These visual cues reduce confusion and support memory.
5. Create a Calm, Focused Environment
Distractions make it harder to concentrate. When communicating:
● Turn off background noise (TV, music, etc.)
● Face your loved one and maintain eye contact
● Eliminate multitasking—give them your full attention
If a conversation starts going off track, pause, take a breath, and reset. Keeping a peaceful tone and setting helps both of you stay grounded.
6. Practice Consistency and Routine
People with aphasia often benefit from structure. A consistent routine helps build confidence and reduce the unpredictability that makes communication harder.
This can include:
● Regular therapy sessions
● Daily time to practice speech or reading
● Structured choices (e.g., same breakfast options each morning)
Repetition reinforces progress. Over time, familiar activities can become strong communication touchpoints.
7. Don’t Pretend to Understand
It’s tempting to nod and smile when you don’t understand what your loved one is trying to say. But that only creates frustration and isolation.
Instead:
● Say, “I’m sorry, I didn’t understand. Can we try again?”
● Ask them to show you, draw, or write.
● Gently repeat what you think they meant and ask, “Did I get that right?”
Being honest shows respect—and gives both of you another chance to connect.
8. Encourage, Don’t Correct
Correction often feels discouraging, especially when someone is already self-conscious about how they speak. Unless you're in a therapy session, avoid jumping in with the “right” word or grammar.
What helps more?
● A simple “That’s great!” or “I understood you!”
● Focus on the message, not the form.
● Reinforce effort, not just success.
That boost of confidence can motivate your loved one to keep trying.
9. Support Speech Therapy Goals at Home
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) tailor therapy plans based on your loved one’s needs. You can amplify their progress by supporting that work at home.
Ways to help:
● Ask the SLP for home practice activities.
● Use therapy tools or apps recommended by professionals.
● Participate in sessions (if appropriate) to learn strategies.
Consistency is key. Helping with homework isn’t just helpful—it tells your loved one they’re not doing this alone.
10. Take Care of Yourself Too
Supporting someone with aphasia is deeply emotional. It can be stressful, exhausting, and isolating at times.
Make sure you:
● Take regular breaks
● Join a support group (for caregivers or families of stroke survivors)
● Talk to a counselor or therapist
● Keep doing things you enjoy
Caring for yourself isn’t selfish—it keeps you resilient, present, and capable of showing up for your loved one.
Final Thoughts
Aphasia changes lives, but it doesn’t end them. With patience, creativity, and compassion, communication is still possible—and connection is still real.
Every word found, every successful interaction, every shared moment matters. As a caregiver, partner, sibling, child, or friend, you have an incredible role to play in helping someone with aphasia rebuild their world.
You won’t get it right every time. That’s okay. What matters most is showing up with kindness, staying in the conversation, and walking this path together—one word at a time.