Communication Therapy: Practical Tips for Patients and Caregivers

Communication therapy helps people express needs, understand others, and take part in daily life. If you or a loved one struggle with speech, language, or patient-provider conversations, practical steps make a big difference. This page shows when to seek help, what therapists do, simple exercises you can try at home, and how to use our site's articles to prepare for medical visits.

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) work with children and adults. They treat speech sounds, language delays, stuttering, voice problems, and cognitive-communication issues after stroke or brain injury. Therapists assess strengths, set goals, and teach exercises you can repeat daily. For adults with memory or attention problems, therapy focuses on strategies: routines, visual cues, written notes, and short practice sessions. For kids, therapy often uses play, songs, and routines that build communication naturally.

When to seek communication therapy

If speech is hard to understand, words are missing, or your loved one avoids talking, get an evaluation. Also ask for help when understanding others becomes difficult, when medication side effects change thinking or speech, or after a health event like stroke, concussion, or severe infection. If you notice sudden changes in language or swallowing, seek urgent care and ask for an SLP referral.

How to prepare for therapy and medical visits

Bring a simple list of concerns: examples of missed words, times speech is worse, and any triggers. Include a list of current medicines and doses — many drugs can affect thinking, mood, or speech. Read quick guides on meds like antidepressants or seizure drugs on our site to know which side effects to ask about. During appointments, use short questions and ask the clinician to repeat key points. Try the teach-back method: explain what you heard in your own words to confirm understanding.

Easy home exercises make a big difference. Practice short daily routines: label five common objects, tell a one-minute story about your day, or follow a two-step instruction. Use picture cards for word-finding practice. For social communication, role-play common situations like ordering food or asking for help. Keep sessions under 10 minutes but repeat twice a day — frequency matters more than length.

Working with caregivers and tech helps progress. Involve caregivers in sessions and share written notes after visits. Use simple apps for reminders and voice recordings so therapists can track progress. For severe cases, explore augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices with an SLP.

Browse relevant articles on our site to learn about conditions and medications that affect communication. Read pieces on mental health, seizure meds, and chronic illness to prepare questions for your care team. If you need help finding a local SLP, ask your primary doctor or search your health system's rehab services.

Track progress with a simple chart: date, task, success rate. Share that chart with your therapist every few weeks so they can tweak goals. Celebrate small wins — a clear sentence or a smoother call matters. If progress stalls, ask about changing exercises, medication review, or a referral for neuropsych testing. Small, steady steps add up. You can do this.