For some aging adults, the ability to communicate with others is impacted by a range of issues. Hearing loss makes it hard to hear what people are saying. If this isn’t addressed, your mom may start withdrawing from situations where multiple people are likely to talk at once. A stroke can greatly impact speech and make it hard to communicate. Diseases like Alzheimer’s and traumatic brain injuries after a car accident or fall can also impact speech. Speech therapy at home providers work with patients to regain communication skills. They also help build throat muscles to improve swallowing.

Those are all things speech therapy at home aides can do. What can you do to improve communication with your mom?

Limit Distractions

If your mom struggles to hear what others are saying, get rid of distractions. Turn off any music or mute the TV while talking to her. If you’re in a group, move to another room where there are no other conflicting conversations.

In a crowded store, this can be challenging. You might need to find a quiet aisle or wait until you’re outside if that’s possible. If not, carry a notepad and write it out.

Look Directly at Her

When you’re talking to your mom, don’t do it from across the room or another room. Go up to her and look at her so that she can see you. Speak up but slow down. Enunciate everything you say so that it’s as clear as possible.

She may be able to read lips, especially if she’s working with a speech therapist who is helping her learn the skill. If you’re looking right at her, it’s easier for her to see what you’re saying.

If your mom still struggles with what you’re saying, write it down. It’s better to take the time to write notes that she can read than become frustrated over her being unable to understand.

Avoid “You” Statements

If you make a comment like “You didn’t hear me,” your mom is going to feel like she’s being accused. It might agitate her, or it could make her withdraw more. Don’t do that. Instead, turn the “you” statements into “I” statements.

Try saying, “I didn’t speak correctly” or “I didn’t realize I was unclear.” Blame yourself and ease a lot of your mom’s frustration.

Work With a Speech Therapy at Home Provider

Your mom should work with a speech therapist. If she needs a referral from her doctor, advocate for her and make sure she has one. Schedule the speech therapy appointments when you can be there and learn the best ways to make communication easier for your mom and you.

Make sure you’re at her home for all speech therapy sessions. Take notes if you need to, and help your mom practice any exercises that the therapist recommends.

If you are considering hiring Speech Therapy at Home Care Services in Bellville OH, call the caring staff at Central Star Home Health at (419) 610-2161.  

Providing services for families in Mansfield, Lexington, Bellville, Crestline, Galion, Shelby, Ashland, Ontario, Bucyrus, Mt. Vernon, Marion, Willard, and the surrounding areas.

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Stephen Sternbach

CEO at Central Star Home Health Services

With over 35 years of experience, Stephen Sternbach has been the Chairman of the Board of Directors, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Star Multi Care Services since 1987. After the sale of the New York and New Jersey operations of Star Multi Care Services, Sternbach brought the company private where he remains President and CEO of this 40-million dollar company. With Sternbach at the helm, Star Multi Care Services employs more than 650 employees, in six offices throughout Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio and New York.

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