Supporting someone with aphasia

Create a Calm, Focused Environment

The brain needs clarity to process and respond.

• Turn off TVs, radios, or background noise
• Ask others to keep voices low during conversations
• Choose quiet, familiar settings when possible

Overstimulation—too many sounds, images, or movements—can make it significantly harder for a stroke survivor to focus and respond.

Be Generous With Time

Aphasia affects word-finding and sentence formation. Don’t rush.

• Give the person time to find their words
• Resist the urge to finish their sentences
• Stay calm and attentive, even if there are long pauses

Silence may feel uncomfortable, but your patience is a form of support.

Ask Yes/No Questions

Simplify conversations to make communication easier.

Instead of:
“What would you like for dinner?”
Try:
“Do you want pasta tonight?”

Yes/no questions reduce pressure and allow the person to express themselves more easily.

Use Visual Tools

When words aren’t working, pictures and gestures can speak volumes.

• Offer pen and paper for writing or drawing
• Create a binder with pictures of common needs (food, emotions, people, places)
• Use hand gestures or point to objects around the room

These tools can restore a sense of autonomy and reduce daily frustrations.

Keep Them Involved

Aphasia doesn’t mean someone should be left out of conversations or decisions.

• Involve them in meal planning, daily routines, and small choices
• Encourage participation in games, puzzles, or group activities
• Ask for their input, even if the reply takes a while

Participation builds confidence and helps stimulate cognitive recovery.

Be Kind—Every Step of the Way

Stroke recovery is unpredictable and emotionally draining. Your support matters more than you know.

• Stay encouraging, even on hard days
• Celebrate small wins, like successfully communicating a word
• Reassure them that you're in this together

Your patience and compassion can help rebuild hope.

Explore Professional and Online Resources

Aphasia is treatable—and recovery takes a team.

• Work with a speech-language pathologist for personalized therapy
• Explore tools and worksheets online
• Visit aphasia.org for free resources and guidance

If you're a caregiver, know that you are not alone. There are resources for you, too.

Final Thoughts

Supporting someone with aphasia isn’t just about communication—it’s about connection. With small adjustments and a lot of heart, you can help your loved one find new ways to express themselves and feel understood.