Aphasia can be one of the most challenging conditions for older adults and their loved ones to navigate. While it doesn’t affect intelligence, aphasia dramatically alters how a person expresses themselves and understands others. For many families in Australia, especially those supporting elderly parents, learning how to communicate with someone living with aphasia becomes a crucial skill.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what aphasia is, how it’s diagnosed and treated, the tools and strategies available to support communication, and how to get expert assistance—especially when trying to match your loved one with the most appropriate aged care provider through a free care finding service.
What Is Aphasia?
Aphasia is a neurological condition that affects a person’s ability to communicate. It commonly arises after brain injuries such as a stroke, traumatic brain injury, or brain tumour. Aphasia can impact speaking, understanding language, reading, and writing, with severity ranging from mild to profound.
Importantly, aphasia does not affect intelligence. People with aphasia are often fully aware of their surroundings and what they want to say—they just have trouble expressing it.
Causes and Risk Factors
While anyone can develop aphasia, the condition is far more common among older adults. Common causes include:
- Stroke (most frequent cause)
- Traumatic brain injury
- Brain tumours
- Degenerative diseases like primary progressive aphasia
Risk factors include high blood pressure, age-related cognitive decline, previous strokes, and other vascular conditions.
Recognising the Signs
Aphasia may present in a variety of forms. Some signs to watch for in an elderly loved one include:
- Struggling to find words or naming objects
- Speaking in short, incomplete phrases
- Mixing up word order or word sounds
- Difficulty understanding spoken language
- Trouble reading or writing
- Substituting incorrect words (e.g., saying “dog” instead of “book”)
Early identification and support can help maximise communication outcomes and quality of life.
Diagnosing Aphasia in Older Adults
Aphasia diagnosis typically involves a detailed assessment by a doctor, neurologist, or speech pathologist. The process may include:
- Neurological testing (brain imaging like MRI or CT scans)
- Language and speech evaluations
- Cognitive function assessments
These tests help determine the type and severity of aphasia, which directly influences the treatment plan.
Types of Aphasia
Understanding the different types of aphasia can help families and caregivers know what to expect. Common types include:
- Broca’s Aphasia (non-fluent): Slow, halting speech with good comprehension
- Wernicke’s Aphasia (fluent): Rapid but often nonsensical speech with poor comprehension
- Global Aphasia: Severe impairment in both understanding and producing language
- Anomic Aphasia: Difficulty finding the right words, especially nouns and verbs
Each type may require different communication strategies and levels of support.
Treatment Options
There is no “cure” for aphasia, but therapy and support can greatly improve communication. Common treatment approaches include:
- Speech Pathology
Working with a speech pathologist is essential. Therapy may focus on:
- Rebuilding language skills
- Developing alternative communication strategies
- Engaging in language stimulation activities
- Communication Tools and Aids
Assistive tools help people living with aphasia communicate effectively, especially when speech is limited. These may include:
- Communication boards or books
- Picture cards
- Simple gesture systems
- Electronic speech-generating devices
- Phone and Tablet Apps
Many mobile applications provide interactive therapy and communication support, such as:
- iPhone/iPad Apps:
- SmallTalk Aphasia
- Lingraphica
- Constant Therapy
- Android Apps:
- TalkPath Therapy
- Speech Assistant AAC
- Google Text-to-Speech
These apps allow users to build sentences, practice speaking, and engage in cognitive exercises.
Low-Tech Tools That Work
Sometimes, simple tools are the most effective. These include:
- Communication Cards
Cards printed with short messages like:
“I have had a stroke and find it difficult to speak. Please give me time to communicate. Your patience is appreciated.”
Useful in public settings to reduce anxiety and explain communication delays.
- Communication Boards
Basic boards feature icons or words for:
- Hunger
- Thirst
- Temperature
- Pain
- Yes/No
- Bathroom
They are especially helpful for non-verbal individuals.
- Communication Books
These combine multiple communication boards into a portable format. While helpful, they may require time to navigate, which can be frustrating during fast-paced interactions.
Tips for Communicating with a Person with Aphasia
If you’re supporting an elderly loved one with aphasia, the way you communicate matters. Here are proven strategies:
|
Tip |
Why It Helps |
|
Get their attention first |
Ensures they are ready and focused |
|
Maintain eye contact |
Builds trust and connection |
|
Use simple words |
Reduces confusion |
|
Use short sentences |
Easier to process |
|
Repeat key words |
Reinforces understanding |
|
Talk slowly and clearly |
Supports language processing |
|
Ask yes/no questions |
Easier to answer than open-ended ones |
|
Give extra time |
Allows them to respond without pressure |
|
Reduce background noise |
Minimises distractions |
|
Use gestures or visuals |
Reinforces spoken language |
|
Encourage drawing or pointing |
Offers an alternative way to express needs |
The Long-Term Outlook
Aphasia recovery depends on:
- The type and severity of the brain injury
- The individual’s age and health
- How soon therapy begins
While some individuals regain significant language ability, others may live with long-term communication challenges. Comprehension skills often recover more than speaking skills.
Ongoing support, understanding, and the right aged care environment make a significant difference.
How SSCA’s Care Finding Service Can Help
Finding the right care provider is critical for older Australians living with aphasia—especially those also dealing with stroke recovery or cognitive decline. Navigating the aged care system can feel overwhelming for families, especially when there are so many options and specific communication needs to consider.
At Support Services Connect Australia (SSCA), we offer a free care finding service that matches older adults and their families with aged care providers that understand aphasia and support individual needs.
Our care finding experts have over 25 years of experience in the aged care sector. We simplify complex systems, provide easy-to-understand guidance, and connect you with providers that offer inclusive, person-centred care. We do this at no cost to you.
If your loved one needs specialised support with communication, our team can help you find aged care providers who have experience working with speech pathologists, understand aphasia-friendly environments, and offer personalised engagement strategies.
Conclusion
Aphasia can be isolating—but with the right support, communication strategies, and care provider, your loved one can continue to live a rich and connected life.
Whether you’re in the early stages of diagnosis or already navigating aged care options, don’t do it alone. The journey can be easier with help from professionals who understand the system—and the unique needs of people living with aphasia.
🔗 Further Resources
- Aphasia Australia – Support & Information
- Speech Pathology Australia
- My Aged Care – Home Care Packages
🆘 Need Help Finding the Right Aged Care Provider?
SSCA is here to help.
We’ll match your loved one with a provider that understands aphasia and supports their independence.
📞 Call us: 03 9123 4560