In our course on how to engage communication partners in aphasia treatment, Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) will learn about how to identify and train communication partners, with the goal of optimizing long-term success for people with aphasia. We’ll explore key aspects, including:
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- discussing the value of communication partner training in the rehabilitation of PWAs
- developing skills to maximize outcomes and client progress
- defining the strengths and weaknesses in communication behaviors of clients and their partners
Lingraphica’s course “Incorporating Communication Partner Training into Aphasia Treatment” focuses on training communication partners on best practices for optimizing communication and long-term success in the communication skills of PWAs. We will present literature that discusses the important role communication partners have in treatment and rehabilitation. We will focus on building a communication foundation to support both the communication partner and the PWA after treatment ends. We will also identify and recommend tools for continued home practice.
We will identify six types of caregiver profiles, including long-term communication partners, newbie communication partners, and absent communication partners. We will explore optimal training techniques for each type and offer actionable steps for engaging each one in aphasia treatment. We also describe different types of communication partner “burdens,” including financial stress, depression, managing difficult behaviors, role changes in the household, and general communication challenges.
In outlining the challenges associated with training communication partners, we will offer solutions to each one. We begin by addressing the often-encountered time restraints on the part of the SLP. We ask, how do SLPs find time to provide communication partner training and support in addition to providing therapy for their clients? We will also explore techniques for increasing SLP skills and confidence, including developing home programs, counseling, and AAC training.
Finally, we will present tools and resources to support inclusive intervention methods for communication partners. One key method we will explore is Supporting Partners of People with Aphasia in Relationships and Communication (SPPARC) training. We will also demonstrate how Lingraphica’s TalkPath Therapy program can be used to support home training and communication goal achievement. Finally, we will delve into Supporting Conversation for Adults with Aphasia (SCA) training, which places emphasis on opportunities for everyday conversation and interactions, as well as autonomy on the part of the PWA. We will emphasize the roles of keywords, gestures, writing, drawing, and yes/no questions.
Incorporating Communication Partner Training into Aphasia Treatment
To learn more about how to incorporate communication partner training into treatment for aphasia, watch our free CE course,
“Incorporating Communication Partner Training into Aphasia Treatment.”
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