Practices to Support Comprehension

Speak in a way that the individual understands.

• Use clear, everyday language.
• Use short sentences.
• Slow your rate of speaking.
• Pause between sentences to give person time to process.
• Chunk information into manageable bits.
• Frequently review information and check for understanding.
  • Ask the person to tell you what they understand so far
  • Ask forced alternative questions – are we talking about…or …?
  • Ask yes and no questions – are we talking about a nursing home?