Ways to help people with communication needs:
- Always say the person’s name and wait for the person to look at you before speaking. This will get the person’s attention.
- Speak in simple, short sentences. Try to speak slowly and clearly and do not shout.
- Talk directly to the person. If you feel he/she is not understanding involve the carer, by saying to the person. For example, “I’m just going to ask James some questions”.
- Use everyday words and avoid abbreviations. For example say ‘hospital’ and not ‘RIE’.
- Ask yes/no questions. For example, “Do you live in Edinburgh”.
- Try not to use sentences with a negative, let the person know what to do rather than what not to do. For example don’t say “Claire, don’t run”, say “Claire, walk”.
- Point to objects and use deliberate gestures to help the person understand.
- Use other visual aids available: leaflets, photos, written word to help the person understand. It is good to have a piece of paper and pen handy to draw or write things.
- Ask the person if he/she have understood what you have said.
- Write down, summarise any important points you want the person to remember/understand. He/she may not be able to read, however can show it to someone who can help them.
- Explain what is going to happen to help reassure and avoid anxiety. Explain it in the order that things are going to happen. For example, “Claire, we’re going to speak to the doctor and then have lunch”.
- Listen and look out for facial expressions, body language, pointing etc.
- Check that you have understood what the person has said to you by summarising it. For example “So Claire, what I’ve heard is …. is this right?”.
- Provide time and opportunities for questions.
