Communicating with their voices can be difficult for senior stroke survivors, but family caregivers can use a variety of tools, such as communication boards, to make interaction less stressful. Means of communication are crucial because they allow seniors to inform their caregivers when they’re hungry, in pain, tired, and need to use the restroom. Here are some tips you can take advantage of when using communications boards for your elderly loved one after a stroke.
Go Over the Instructions
Your loved one’s brain has likely experienced significant damage, so you can’t assume he or she will begin using the communication board with ease. In addition to diminished speaking skills, the abilities to comprehend information and make rational decisions may be altered. Trying out the board while your loved one is watching can make the tool more helpful. Point to the photos and other images when talking to give your loved one an idea of what needs to be done. For example, you could ask “Do you have to use the bathroom?” while pointing to a photo of a toilet.
An experienced professional caregiver can often provide tips for communicating with senior stroke survivors. There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional elderly home care. Oshkosh families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place.
Use Colors to Represent Emotions
Explaining thoughts and feelings can be difficult for stroke survivors in the early stages of recovery, so you’ll need to offer options when using communication boards. For example, you can use the color blue to represent when your loved one is feeling sad and red if he or she needs immediate assistance. Green could represent positivity and let you know your loved one is doing well. When you ask how your loved one is feeling at the moment, he or she can use the colors to give you insight into his or her mood, physical health, and emotional wellbeing. These codes can help you determine what course of action should be taken, such as moving your loved one to a more comfortable position or making a phone call to the doctor for medical assistance.
Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality homecare services. Trust Senior Stride Home Care to help your elderly loved one age in place safely and comfortably. Senior Stride Home Care will work with you to customize a care plan that’s just right for your loved one’s needs.
Add an Emergency Contact Section
Even if your loved one owns a phone that allows him or her to push buttons to contact family and friends, he or she may still have difficulty associating names with the correct people. The communication board should have a list of names and each person’s relationship to your loved one. Make sure there’s plenty of space between names to reduce confusion. Some caregivers add an image of each person listed next to an emergency contact, which makes reaching out to those individuals easier for stroke survivors.
Make All Boards Accessible
Promote the usage of the board at all times, which means keeping the tool nearby. If your parent moves to another room, the communication board should move to that room if he or she plans to spend a significant amount of time in the area. The more your loved one utilizes the board, the higher the odds of a speedy recovery. Constant access to the board may also help your loved one feel safe and secure and give you peace of mind.
Having a caregiver close by can give your loved one peace of mind while he or she recovers from a stroke. If your senior loved one needs hourly or live-in care, Oshkosh Senior Stride Home Care can help. Our caregivers can assist with exercise and mobility, prepare nutritious meals, provide timely medication reminders, and help with a wide array of other important daily tasks. Senior Stride Home Care will work with you to customize a care plan that’s just right for your loved one’s needs. For reliable in-home care services, contact us at 920-717-1767 today.