Family and community roles

2.4 Speech pathologists should talk with the person with aphasia and their family, friends and carers about the roles the client has in their family and community.

References: Coffin et al, 2004: Qual.
Evidence: GPP

Rationale: Apart from helping to build a relationship, such conversations may reveal important information that can guide a speech pathologist’s interactions and management. For example, it may become apparent that the client is an Aboriginal Elder in which case a particular level of respect is appropriate (Coffin et al., 2004), or the client may have a strong community role involving public speaking which may influence goal setting and selection of intervention strategies.

References: 

1. Coffin, J., Hermeston, W., Merritt, G., Baraga, J., Quartermaine, M., Dhu, J., Allen, S., Black, C., McDonald, A., Ronan, M., & Ashwin, S. (2004). National Stroke Unit Program Aboriginal Stroke Project, Melbourne: National Stroke Foundation.