Communication in Advanced Illness and End-of-Life
Talking with someone who is very ill can feel hard. This resource shares what changes and what helps.
Illness can affect the brain's ability to process language and the muscles used to speak. You may hear the terms aphasia (trouble speaking, writing or understanding words) and dysarthria (slurred, slow or quiet speech from muscle weakness). Near the end of life, people may sleep more and speak less, and eventually rely on gestures, eye contact and expression.
Tips for caregivers: be patient, avoid interrupting, double-check understanding, reduce distractions, keep eye contact, speak slowly with simple words, offer simple choices, and keep your voice low. Approach slowly and from the front.
People often keep the ability to hear and feel long after they lose speech. Gentle touch, saying who you are, and speaking normally offer comfort. Never underestimate the power of your words and touch.
