Abby Barnes, M.S., CCC-SLP
When a person is living with a condition such as aphasia, Parkinson’s disease, or dementia, it may affect their ability to communicate or manage everyday tasks. As their caregiver, you may worry about their safety, emotional well-being, and quality of life. Staying as independent as possible will help them maintain a sense of purpose and self-worth, which can positively impact both of you. Read on for practical strategies you can use to help your loved one stay safe and engaged.
Key takeaways
Signs that a person may need help in their daily life include trouble communicating, forgetfulness or confusion, social withdrawal, hygiene problems, or trouble with household chores.
Conditions such as aphasia, cognitive communication disorders, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and brain injury can cause problems with communication and independence.
You can help your loved one stay as independent as possible by making changes to their living space, helping them communicate, and encouraging them to do things on their own when possible.
Speech therapists work with adults who have speech, language, cognitive, and swallowing challenges to improve their ability to communicate and function in daily life.
Speech therapists also work closely with caregivers, showing them how to support their loved one and encourage their communication skills at home.
Looking for a speech therapist?
Get started nowSigns that your loved one may need extra help
It can be hard to know when a person needs more help in their daily life. Some changes happen gradually, while others may come on suddenly due to a medical event like a stroke or injury. Paying attention to your loved one’s abilities and behavior can help you recognize when extra support is needed.
Here are some signs that your loved one may benefit from additional help:
Difficulty with communication. If they struggle to find the right words, repeat themselves often, or have trouble understanding conversations, they may need support with speech and language.
Forgetfulness or confusion. Missing appointments, forgetting to take medication, or getting lost in familiar places could point to cognitive challenges.
Changes in personal hygiene. If they are wearing the same clothes for days, not bathing, or having trouble grooming, they may need help with daily self-care.
Trouble managing household tasks. A once-tidy home becoming cluttered or dirty, spoiled food in the fridge, or unpaid bills piling up are all signs that a person may need help.
Difficulty with eating or swallowing. Coughing or choking while eating, avoiding certain foods, or taking much longer to finish meals can point to swallowing difficulties that need treatment.
Social withdrawal. If your loved one is avoiding phone calls, skipping social events, or no longer joining in conversations, they may be feeling isolated or struggling with communication.
Mood or behavior changes. Increased frustration, anxiety, depression, or irritability can be signs of emotional distress related to their condition.
Noticing these signs early allows you to find the right support to keep your loved one safe and as independent as possible. Speech therapy, caregiver assistance, and changes in the person’s home environment can make a big difference in their quality of life.
Learn about the causes of speech issues in adults, such as aphasia, dysarthria, Parkinson’s, and dementia, and how speech therapy can help.
Conditions that can cause communication problems and loss of independence
Several conditions can affect a person’s communication skills and independence, such as:
These diagnoses can lead to social isolation, as well as feelings of depression and anxiety. “When a person loses the ability to communicate, their relationships, moods, and daily routines can be greatly affected,” explains Laura Thorburn, M.A., CCC-SLP, a speech-language pathologist with Expressable. “For example, someone with aphasia may struggle to express their thoughts, leading them to avoid phone calls, turn down social events, and withdraw from others.”
However, losing communication skills doesn’t have to mean losing independence entirely. With the right support, people with these diagnoses can stay engaged and involved in life.
Speech therapy can help people regain lost skills and develop new ways to communicate. Caregivers play a vital role in fostering independence, too, by creating opportunities for their loved one to join in conversations and daily activities.
Here are 12 tips that family, friends, and caregivers can use to communicate with a loved one with aphasia.
How to maintain your loved one’s independence
Independent living means having the freedom to make choices and participate in daily activities as much as possible. While some people can thrive at home with support, others may do best in settings like an assisted living community, skilled nursing facility, or other long-term care.
No matter where your loved one lives, fostering their independence can improve their confidence and well-being. Here are some simple yet effective ways to help your loved one stay as independent as possible.
1 Improve their home environment
Making small changes to your loved one’s living space can help them get through the day more easily. Consider:
Placing frequently used items, like a mug or the TV remote, where they can easily reach them.
Providing written lists, directions, or a big calendar with their schedule clearly marked.
Keeping their space clean and clutter-free to help them find what they need and avoid falling.
Keeping things in consistent places. “People with dementia may struggle if items are moved, and people with aphasia may have difficulty asking for something that isn’t in its usual spot,” Thorburn says.
You can also choose clothing and household items that are easier to use. For example, slide-in shoes are likely more manageable than lace-up boots. A lightweight plastic cup may be better than a heavy glass one. You know your loved one best—look for simple ways to make their daily life easier.
2 Set up good communication habits
Helping your loved one communicate more clearly will increase their independence and confidence. Thorburn recommends these strategies:
Reduce distractions. Background noise from the TV, radio, or household appliances can make it harder for the person to process and respond to conversations.
Get their attention first. Say their name or make sure they’re looking at you before speaking.
Keep language simple and clear. Instead of saying, “I had to reschedule your doctor’s appointment for next week because the only opening this week was too early,” simply say, “Your doctor’s appointment is next Wednesday at 11 a.m.”
Never pretend to understand. If you don’t catch what they said, ask them to repeat, rephrase, or use other communication methods like writing, pointing, or gesturing.
Confirm understanding. Some people with aphasia may nod even if they don’t fully understand. Instead of assuming they comprehend you, ask follow-up questions.
Give them time to respond. People with communication challenges often need extra time to process and reply. Try not to rush or speak for them.
Ask yes/no questions. These are often easier to answer than open-ended questions. For example, you could ask, “Would you like to go to the park?,” rather than, “What do you want to do today?”
Provide choices. Instead of asking, “What would you like for lunch?,” say, “Would you like a salad or a sandwich?” Giving options helps the person stay engaged and independent.
Get helpful tips for supporting your child or loved one as they learn to use their AAC system or device.
3 Encourage them to do things on their own
Sometimes the best way to help is to step back. If your loved one is able to complete a task, allow them the chance. If they start to rely too much on your help, they may lose confidence in their own abilities. Try encouraging them to:
Make phone calls when possible.
Order for themselves at a restaurant.
Make their own food or drink.
Recall what’s next on their daily schedule.
Express concerns or ask questions at doctor’s appointments.
Ask for help at a store.
Pick out their own clothes.
If they hesitate, gently remind them that they can do it! Even completing small tasks can help them feel more capable.
4 Offer encouragement
One of the most meaningful things you can do is encourage your loved one and recognize their efforts.
Celebrate small wins, like getting dressed or making a cup of coffee on their own.
Let them know you’re proud of the hard work they’re putting in, whether it’s in therapy or daily life.
A simple hug, or saying something like “I know this is hard, but I’m here with you,” can make a big difference.
This kind of positive reinforcement can boost the person’s motivation and well-being.
Learn the physical and emotional effects of stroke and what caregivers can do to help a partner, spouse, or loved one cope post-stroke.
How speech therapy helps people stay independent
Speech therapists, also known as speech-language pathologists (SLPs), play a crucial role in helping people stay independent. They work with people of all ages who have speech, language, cognitive, and swallowing challenges to improve their ability to communicate and function in daily life.
A speech therapist can help by:
Improving communication skills. Whether someone has trouble speaking, understanding language, or finding the right words, therapy provides strategies to help them express themselves more clearly.
Teaching alternative communication methods. If speaking is difficult, a speech therapist can introduce other communication tools like writing, gestures, or a speech generating app or device.
Enhancing cognitive skills. Many people with neurological conditions struggle with memory, problem-solving, and organization. Speech therapy can strengthen these skills, making daily tasks like managing a schedule or following instructions easier.
Helping with social interactions. Conversations can be challenging for people with communication difficulties. Speech therapists provide guidance on turn-taking, staying on topic, and using body language to make interactions smoother.
Supporting safe eating and swallowing. If swallowing is a concern, a speech therapist can recommend techniques or diet changes to prevent choking and keep mealtimes safe.
“Speech therapists also work closely with caregivers, showing them how to help their loved ones communicate during everyday routines,” Thorburn says. “This helps people feel more engaged, make their own choices, and feel confident in their independence.”
Whether you're a caregiver or simply supporting a friend or family member, here are 4 tips for helping your loved one in speech therapy.
How online speech therapy works
Online speech therapy is a convenient and effective way for people to receive the support they need from the comfort of home. Through secure video sessions, licensed speech therapists provide personalized treatment tailored to each person's needs. Caregivers and family members can attend sessions as well—in fact, they're encouraged to. During online sessions, caregivers can:
Learn how to involve their loved one in conversation without taking over
Discover ways to encourage independence while providing support when needed
Learn how to create a communication-friendly environment at home
Learn how online speech therapy compares to in-person therapy for adults who have had a stroke or other neurological medical event.
At Expressable, we hope this guide is helpful as you provide care for your loved one. We see you, and we recognize all the love, patience, and dedication you give each day. If you think your loved one might need support with their communication, talk with their doctor about speech therapy, or schedule an online evaluation with a licensed speech therapist. You’re not alone in this journey, and we’re here to help every step of the way.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Remember that aphasia affects a person’s ability to communicate, not their intelligence or personality. Give them time to express themselves, and try not to finish their sentences for them. Speak in short, direct sentences, and ask yes/no or choice-based questions. For example, instead of “What do you want to do for lunch today?,” ask “Do you want to go out for lunch?” (yes/no) or “Do you want to eat at home or go out?” (choice-based).
When caregivers follow these tips, conversations improve. People with aphasia participate more, and frustration decreases.
There are helpful communication techniques you can use with a person whose speech is affected by Parkinson’s. For example, before talking, make sure you’re looking at the person and they’re looking at you. Speak in shorter, more direct sentences, and turn off competing noise like the TV or radio. It may also help to restate what you heard the person say in order to clarify or confirm their message.
While a person with dementia likely can’t regain lost skills, they can improve their ability to communicate with others. Speech therapy for dementia may focus on strategies such as using writing or pictures to communicate. Family members can also change how they talk with the person with dementia, which will lead to more successful communication. Examples include turning off background noise, speaking more slowly, using simple sentences, repeating information, and giving the person choices when asking them questions, such as “Would you like water or juice?”
How Expressable Can Help
Concerned your child isn't reaching age-expected milestones? Looking for communication support from a professional? Expressable is a national online speech and occupational therapy practice serving children and adults. We treat all major areas of communication, feeding, and developmental skills, offer flexible hours including evenings and weekends, and accept most major health insurance plans. We’re proud to have earned more than 4,500 5-star reviews from our clients (4.83/5 average).
Our therapy model is centered on parent and caregiver involvement. Research proves that empowering caregivers to participate in their loved one’s therapy leads to better outcomes. That’s why we combine live, 1-on-1 speech and occupational therapy with personalized education and home practice activities for faster progress.
