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Support and encourage speech efforts.
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Don't talk about the person as if he or she were not there.
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Speak as you would with any adult. The person's inability to find a word does not mean that he or she has lost intelligence or knowledge.
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Don't insist that the person give accurate responses, or "talk right."
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Ask direct questions requiring a simple "yes" or "no" response rather than a complex answer. "Are you feeling well?" rather than "How are you?"
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Encourage gestures and "talking with hands" or pictures whenever possible.
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Don't pretend to understand when you don't. Repeat what you have understood and allow the person time to respond.
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Don't talk for the person unless absolutely necessary.
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In case of emergencies, ask the person for printed information so that you can contact a responsible party. Call 911 should a physical emergency occur.
