How to Help Your Senior Overcome Communication Issues as a Result of Illness

Families of seniors with certain illnesses may find that their elderly loved ones are not able to hear or speak as clearly as they once did as a result of the disease. Fortunately, with proper medical attention and assistance from family members and friends, it is possible for these elderly individuals to start to regain their ability to communicate with others. Some of the diseases that are most commonly linked with communication problems include:

Stroke related aphasia

Aphasia is a condition that inhibits a senior’s ability to use and understand language. It’s frequently caused by stroke, and many elderly individuals are able to partially recover from the condition. Speech therapy is a useful tool for helping a senior to get their communication skills back on track. Another unique therapy option is called melodic intonation therapy, which is when patients sing words and phrases that they aren’t able to speak.

Hearing loss

The National Institute of Health estimates that one in three people over 60 experience hearing issues, and that this number jumps to 50 percent of people over 80. If left untreated, hearing loss can cause an elderly individual to feel depressed and isolated. This is why it’s especially important for seniors and their loved ones to pay attention to early signs of hearing loss. Some of the indicators that a person is losing their hearing include:

• Listening to the television or radio at particularly loud volumes
• Asking people to repeat themselves
• Avoiding social interactions

If it appears as if your elderly loved one may be experiencing hearing loss, senior care professionals advise scheduling a doctor’s visit as soon as possible.

Multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (known as MS) can impact an elderly individual’s ability to speak and understand others. Many people with MS struggle with issues involving their swallowing reflex, which is part of the reason behind the difficulty with speech. Home care professionals encourage loved ones of seniors with MS to keep an eye out for speech problems, as some elderly individuals with MS are unaware that they are not speaking as clearly as they once did.

While these communication difficulties are challenging for elderly individuals and their families, proper medical care and therapies can help to lessen the impact of the communication issues that often accompany these conditions.