Activity Overview
Family gatherings can be meaningful but also overwhelming for individuals with aphasia. Events may involve large groups, fast conversations, and emotional moments. This guide offers strategies to prepare for and enjoy time with family in a supported, low-pressure way.
Goal
Help individuals with aphasia and their families enjoy family events with clear communication and realistic expectations.
What to Expect
- Get Ready → Travel to the Event → Greet Family → Join Activities or Meals → Say Goodbye
- Events can include birthdays, holidays, reunions, weddings, or casual get-togethers.
- May involve greeting multiple people, group conversations, and unfamiliar environments.
Preparation Tips
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- Your “Aphasia ID card”
- Name tags, place cards, or conversation starter cards
- Photos or memory books to share, or open the photo app on your phone to set up an album/story before you go.
- Pre-written note cards with helpful phrases
- Review who will be there and practice greetings – having their picture/name together helps during this practice.
- Set a time limit for how long to stay – neurofatigue is real and can hit all at once, ruining a fun time.
- Let the host know your communication needs in advance
Communication Supports
- Use cards or visuals that say:
- “I have aphasia. I may need help joining the conversation.”
- “I want to talk, please speak slowly.”
- Bring a small photo album or phone with pictures to point to, or open your photo app on the phone
- Use gestures, pointing, or drawing; bring your own notebook or small whiteboard
Support for Family & Care Partners
- Share a little about aphasia with family members/friends ahead of time (they can visit our website: www.aphasia.org)
- Help others slow down and give space for responses – sometimes just modeling the best way to communicate helps others know what to do (and what NOT to do!)
- Create quiet time breaks away from crowds
Real-Life Examples
“I like this rook, k…um, book. See my baby, grandbaby!”— Teresa, person with aphasia
“We always bring conversation cards with photos and names—it breaks the ice and makes chatting easier. Games are great too!” — Raj, Care Partner
