A Caregiver's Guide to Communication Problems from Brain Injury or Disease

Advances in science mean that people are more likely to survive a stroke or live for many years after being diagnosed with a degenerative disease such as Parkinson's. But the communication deficits that often accompany a brain injury or chronic neurologic condition—including problems with speech, language, voice, memory, and/or swallowing—can severely impact quality of life.

If you are a caregiver coping with these challenges, this all—in—one book can help you and your loved one. Written by a team of experts in speech—language pathology, each chapter focuses on a different aspect of caregiving and features relatable patient examples. Providing answers to common questions, definitions of complex medical terms, and lists of helpful resources, this book also:

• touches on expected, age—related changes in communication, memory, swallowing, and hearing abilities, to name a few
• offers practical strategies for caregivers to cope with speech, language, and voice problems and to maximize their loved one's ability to communicate
• reveals how caregivers can assist their loved ones with swallowing challenges to maintain good nutrition and hydration
• provides crucial information on how caregivers can handle grief and take care of themselves during the caregiving process
• explains how to incorporate the arts, as well as a loved one's hobbies and interests, into their communication or memory recovery

This comprehensive book will allow readers to take a more informed and active role in their loved one's care.

Contributors: Marissa Barrera, Frederick DiCarlo, Lea Kaploun, Elizabeth Roberts, Teresa Signorelli Pisano