Summary & Additional References
Everyone has a right to be heard and to be supported through the G-AP process in a way that suits them.
Communication and/ or cognitive difficulties can create BARRIERS
Although it can be challenging to find out what’s important to people with communication and/or cognitive difficulties and involve them throughout the G-AP process, it’s important that we try.
With the right RAMPS in place, we can reduce the impact of barriers and support the person’s access and involvement.
As well as building our skills and confidence, it will build their skills and confidence too. It will also let them know that we are committed to working in partnership with them.
Maintaining a positive attitude and being prepared are really important.
It’s OK if things don’t work out every time. Remember, Speech and Language Therapists find these conversations challenging too. It’s important to ask for help if you need it.
Consider joint working with SLT colleagues and be open to revisiting the conversation more than once.
Keep trying!
Useful References
1.Sophie Eleanor Brown, Marian C. Brady, Linda Worrall & Lesley Scobbie (2021) A narrative review of communication accessibility for people with aphasia and implications for multi-disciplinary goal setting after stroke, Aphasiology, 35:1, 1-32, DOI: 10.1080/02687038.2020.1759269
2.
Deborah Hersh, Linda Worrall, Tami Howe, Sue Sherratt & Bronwyn Davidson (2012) SMARTER goal setting in aphasia rehabilitation, Aphasiology, 26:2, 220-233, DOI: 10.1080/02687038.2011.640392
3.
Karianne Berg, Torunn Askim, Susan Balandin, Elizabeth Armstrong & Marit By Rise (2017) Experiences of participation in goal setting for people with stroke-induced aphasia in Norway. A qualitative study, Disability and Rehabilitation, 39:11, 1122-1130, DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2016.1185167
4.
Chest, heart and stroke videos of people with communication difficulties following a stroke:
https://www.chsselearning.org.uk/core-competencies/12-communication/video-resources/
5.
Stroke Association information about communication difficulties following stroke
https://www.stroke.org.uk/effects-of-stroke/communication-problems
6.
Information about what is a cognitive communication difficulty
https://tactustherapy.com/what-is-cog-comm
7.
More information on communication issues following a brain injury
https://www.acquiredbraininjury-education.scot.nhs.uk/impact-of-abi/communication-problems/
8.
Stroke Association – Problems with memory and thinking following stroke
https://www.stroke.org.uk/sites/default/files/publications/jn_2021-311.3_-_f07_problems_with_memory_and_thinking_after_a_stroke_a5_web.pdf
9.
7 tips from people with aphasia on how to communicate with them (3 minutes): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWOYmqyDooc
10.
Different types of communication difficulties explained: https://tactustherapy.com/what-is/
11.
Headway Factsheet- Executive Dysfunction after brain injury
https://www.headway.org.uk/media/2801/executive-dysfunction-after-brain-injury-factsheet.pdf
12.
Headway Factsheet-Memory problems after brain injury
https://www.headway.org.uk/media/8821/coping-with-memory-problems-practical-strategies-factsheet.pdf
13.
Headway factsheet- Lack of insight after brain injury
https://www.headway.org.uk/media/4091/lack-of-insight-after-brain-injury-factsheet.pdf