Communicating with a stroke victim?

Question

My Father has had a stroke and he knows all of us, however he is paralized on the right side. He is having difficulty swallowing because of this and he is trying to talk to us. He mumbles words, but for the most part we cannot understand him. He'll say a whole sentence and use expressions, but the words are all the same when they come out. We want to know what he needs and if he could spell with magnetic alphabet letters. I don't know if he can translate to spelling or not. Pray for us, he is trying so very hard. Any good ideas that folks have tried in the past maybe, would be a blessing for us. He's insulted when we ask him things, however it's all very new (3 weeks ago, Aug 4, 2006) PT's & OT's are working with him in the Nursing Home. He is 85 years old. Thanks to all! God Bless

Answer 1

will pray for your family. patience and love will conquer your difficulties. it will pass and you will be blessed

Answer 2

I have never been through what you are experiencing right now. My suggestion is that of "Baby Einstein". Try to teach him simple things with hand gestures (most of which are able to be done with one hand) My 1 year old niece and 2 year old nephew use "basic signing" to communicate. Look up the Baby Einstein tapes, it may help. I am guessing because as you said you are not sure if he is comprehending even magnet letters. My prayers are with you and your family. Also, if the above is not an option; my mother in law was not able to communicate at all at age 85. I would talk to her and look at her eyes. From knowing the person, you can ask them "yes" and "no" questions, they are able to answer these and they can relate too without comprimising their dignity.

Answer 3

My father had throat cancer due to smoking, and when he first came out of the hospital everything sounded the same out of his mouth as well. At first we gave him a pen and paper and he would just write down the important words within a sentence and we'd ask him "Do you want the " and eventually you will understand some words from him and he will be able to clarify his words a little better as well. Good luck and God Bless as well.

Answer 4

first off i am sorry to hear about you father ,
PT and OT are great help for walking & lower extremities(PT) and moving his upper extremities(OT)
what he also needs is speech therapy to assist with the speech.
please keep in mind that a stroke is from the brain. with his, speech effected, his read and writing and spelling could be as well. every stroke victim is different.
from what you are saying he is having difficulty swallowing, so therefore i am very surprised that speech is not working with him , he is an aspiration risk.
God Bless

Answer 5

i am so sorry & i know how bad it is for youall but believe me it's so frustrating for him,you cannot imagine because i have been there & i know . he probably understands everything you say, can you get him a chalkboard & chalk to use, it may work. sometimes we can scribble with the other hand with that. i am sure he gets almost angry when you can't understand him. it is so bad , i do not think the magnetic letters will work but i guess they could . get some play things for kids ,like for a play house drink can, milk, cookie etc. anything you think he might be trying to say & that way he can just pick it up & he will relax & the words will start to come again. i wish you & yours the very best & i will say a prayer right now in jesus name !!

Answer 6

Keep talking to them & be patient.Stroke victims can still understand what you are saying , sometimes they just can't tell you things even though they know what they want to say.My father had a stroke 10 years ago & lost his speech & unfortunately therapy didn't work for him , but the speech therapist put a communication book together for him.It has picture symbols in it for a multitude of things from from feelings , his likes & dislikes,days of the week etc.You can have these made to suit the individual & they can help to include the person in conversations.But still talk to them & be patient.

Answer 7

All you can really do is be there and let him know that you love him. It is natural for helplessness to hit when you can't communicate with someone you love so much. Hopefully in time these problems will resolve themselves. In the meantime just be there and remember, the one thing that needs no words or translation is love. It is felt and doesn't have to be said or written. God Bless your family and I will keep you all in my prayers.

Answer 8

my mother is also a stroke victum paralized on her right side also.....it took us a long time but we came up with our own little sign language, when she wanted a drink she would wave her hand at about glass lenghtth over the tabel. if she wanted to go somewhere shed make her fingers look like legs and walk them. but to start with we had gave her a pointer to point at things she needed and when she did good we in a good way let her know she was doing great i always felt bad i didnt want her to feel like a child. its deffinetly hard to have to deal with from both ends. its really al in knowing your father his facial expressions and needs. time and patientence will make it all ok!! i wish you and your father all my best. and know this to shall get better!!

Answer 9

Sorry to hear about your dad...

My grandma has suffered several strokes before. Not to worry, I'm sure your dad will recuperate through proper diet, exercise and medication.

I know the initial frustration in communcation for both the patient and their family. However, all problems can be overcome with time and understanding.

During the initial period, I usually communicate with my grandma through pictorials or pictures. She just points to what she wants. You can also try talking to your dad slowly and try to makeout what he is try to say...

Hope what is mentioned helps...

May god be with your family at this trying moment...

Answer 10

try a portable device like palm pilot only they make cheaper ones with bigger buttons, or paper and pencil....he will have to use left hand, so may not be readalbe at first..... if he has a strong will he may be able to communicate again, just takes time to relearn how to speak with right side paralyzed. be patient.... try to figure it out, it is just as frustrating for him as you.......soon you will decifer what he is saying....ask him to use short sentences....baby talk if you will...good luck and God bless.

Answer 11

bring a dry erase board with you visit for your father to write his answers to your questions just talk to him like nothing has happened it will make him feel more like a normal person by being able to communicate with you again

Good Luck