Individual Communication Programs

How does it work?

I meet with you and your support person several times over the computer.

I assess* your communication skills in everyday tasks and get information from your support person.

Together we develop a program to help you improve your communication and plan for the future.

Most programs include:

in-depth strategies and training for both you and your support person;
specific advice on activities to improve/maintain your skills;
set-up of visual aids or technology to help you communicate;
tailored education related to your condition;
support person help and linking into other services.

Please contact for more information - currently closed.

*This assessment is conducted to determine current strengths/gaps in communication and cognitive skills for functional tasks. This often involves completion of tasks before our sessions, and observations within the telehealth sessions. Support people are then encouraged to corroborate and describe their own observations via questionnaires and/or general discussion. These assessment procedures are to guide goal-setting and program development, and NOT to be used for diagnostic purposes or use in formal situations outside this service.

Example of a Communication Program

Ana was diagnosed with dementia 3 years ago. She lived with her husband (Len) who was struggling to manage Ana's repeated requests for information. She had also withdrawn from family conversations, even though they were wanting to see her.
Over telehealth we looked at Ana's various skills including understanding pictures/photos, social conversation, understanding different reading material, writing, using different forms of technology (e.g. tablet, phone, clocks).
From the assessment, Ana showed she loved looking at photos and this significantly helped her social conversation and confidence. She was set up with a photo calendar app on an old tablet from her daughter. The family inputted the photos and a written description, then Ana used it as an anchor for her conversation. Her grandkids particularly engaged well with it.
Len also implemented a written diary which he left on the table. He wrote simple sentences that Ana could read and reassuring language, e.g. "Our daughter, Michelle, will come today after 3pm to help us get groceries". He encouraged Ana to look at it each time she was worried about what she was doing.
Len and key family members were provided with specific education regarding Ana's language and cognitive profile and given specific strategies, e.g. Ana could process verbal information with 2 or less 'chunks' of information. Therefore they needed to give Ana 1-2 requests or choices at a time.
An exposure hierarchy approach was used encourage Ana to attend a day activity program. The staff were given a strategy handout. They are also using the tablet consistently.
Len was encouraged to speak with other carers. He was initially reluctant, however he has now established good social network with a support group.
Given the nature of her condition, Ana and Len still have daily challenges, however he reported that they are managing much better, and that he is more equipped for the likely future changes.