Elderly communication problems and solutions

Ageing is a normal process and generally speaking the changes taking place are gradual, allowing the individual to slowly adapt and accept the process

There are times, however, when the changes can be rapid, causing much fear and distress

These instances may be due to sudden trauma or to a number of neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, dementia or stroke

The independent individual may suddenly find themselves dependant, in varying degrees on others to aid them

Life changes dramatically for them and their loved ones, just being able to communicate could become a huge problem

 Communications problems

• Problems in communication in the elderly may again develop gradually, as part of the ageing process; the most common impairment being hearing
• There could also be difficulties in being able to speak, due to problems with their teeth, salivation or due to side effects from drugs prescribed
• The most common cause, however, of someone suddenly losing the ability to communicate is due to suffering a stroke

The incidence of strokes in the UK is very high. There are 110,000 new cases every year, of which:

• 72% will be 65 +
• 1/3 will die within 4 weeks
• 1/3 of the survivors have communication problems

• These incidences will escalate as the elderly population increases
• It is predicted that 22% of the population will be 65+ by 2036, hence there is a great need to be prepared for the growing number of people who develop the condition Aphasia or Dysphasia, where there is impairment in the production of speech

How can we best help those who have developed dysphasia?

Basic advice for relatives or carers of people with problems voicing their feelings, or needs is to:-

• Remember that they are not deaf or demented
• Realise that they don’t necessarily have difficulty in understanding
• Talk slowly and clearly but with normal intonation
• Avoid long complex sentences
• Place yourself in the front of their field of vision
• Give alternatives when the dysphasic speaker struggles to find a word
• Allow time for response
• Encourage any attempt to communicate, e.g. writing, or using a gesture
• Accept incomplete sentences
• Seek advice of Speech and Language Therapist

Single Hand Communication can help

• Writing may be a problem for those who are right handed, if they develop right sided paralysis following a stroke
• Evidence has shown that when dysphasia is manifested following a stroke, the area affected in the brain is most usually in the left side, which can cause paralysis down the right side of the body
• In response to this problem, a simple system of single hand gestures/signs has been developed to aid the dysphasic sufferer to communicate their needs and feelings, alleviating frustration for themselves and their loved ones and also helping to give them back some dignity
• The system is called Single Hand Communication (SHC) and can be utilized in hospital, rehabilitation units, or in the home environment
• There are Fifty-four hand signs or gestures depicting basic personal needs, medical or nursing matters, requests such as open, close, fetch and items such as book, spectacles and dentures.  As few and as many of the signs can be utilised as required by the individual.
• A pack of cards is available depicting each sign on one side with a description of how the sign is made on the reverse
• The written description can be translated into any language and packs of cards will be made available in Welsh, French and Urdu in the near future
• There is also a laminated mat with twenty-four of the very personal signs of care, this may be used on an over the bed table or tray
• The mat is ideal to use as a touch mat to clarify what is being “said”, also aiding the learning process for all concerned
• The adage, “old age doesn’t come on its own” implies all the aches and pains, the deterioration of the senses, of unsteadiness, loss of confidence and youth. However, SHC is a tool that the patient and their loved ones or carers can use proactively in response to one of the negative events that will affect the growing numbers of the elderly.

 Single Hand Communication (SHC)