Using Makaton to Support People with Memory and Understanding Difficulties After Life Changes

When someone begins to experience memory loss or new difficulties with understanding language — perhaps following a stroke, brain injury, dementia diagnosis, or another life event — it can be incredibly frustrating. Communication, something once effortless, can suddenly become a daily challenge. This can lead to feelings of isolation, loss of independence, and a reduced ability to express needs or join conversations. Makaton can offer real support.

Personally, my late mother in law had dementia and we really relied on the use of Makaton symbols in particular, especially when in hospital and could no longer communicate verbally, by creating some simple communication boards that included symbols to represent 'help' 'pain' 'yes' 'no' 'finished' 'more' it helped the wonderful care team to understand if she was comfortable, if she had understood and it helped family members to check to make sure she was comfortable too.

What Is Makaton?

Makaton is a communication programme that combines speech, signs, and symbols to support understanding and expression. It’s not designed to replace speech but to work alongside it — helping people make sense of what is said to them and supporting them to express themselves clearly and confidently.

Why Use Makaton For Memory and Understanding Change

1. Visual support aids memory

For people experiencing short-term memory difficulties, spoken words alone can be hard to retain. A sign or symbol gives an additional visual cue that can trigger understanding or recall. The brain processes visual information differently from spoken language, and having both together gives the listener more ways to make sense of what’s being communicated.

2. Reduces language load

When understanding language becomes harder, following a sentence full of complex words or quick speech can feel overwhelming. Makaton signs naturally slow down communication, allowing time to process and respond. Key words are emphasised through sign/symbol or both, helping the listener focus on the most important parts of the message — such as “drink,” “pain,” “toilet,” or “help.”

3. Supports word-finding and expression

People who know what they want to say but can’t find the right word can use Makaton signs or symbols as a bridge. Being able to communicate even one key idea can reduce frustration and help keep conversations flowing. Often, using signs can also stimulate spoken language — the action of signing can help trigger the associated word.

4. Builds confidence and connection

Losing the ability to communicate as before can affect a person’s confidence and relationships. Makaton offers an inclusive and reassuring way to stay connected with others. When family members, carers, and friends learn Makaton together, it creates shared understanding and reduces the anxiety that often comes with communication breakdowns.

5. Can be personalised and flexible

Makaton isn’t “one size fits all.” It can be introduced gradually, focusing on meaningful, everyday words. Whether it’s using signs during routines, adding symbols to reminders, or creating simple visual prompts around the home, Makaton can be tailored to each person’s needs and pace.

A Step Toward Communication Confidence

For someone adapting to life with new communication challenges, Makaton can make a genuine difference — not just in being understood, but in feeling understood. It offers a bridge between the words we hear, the signs we see, and the emotions we want to share.

If you or someone you support is experiencing memory or understanding difficulties, exploring Makaton could be a powerful first step toward rebuilding confidence, independence, and connection.

Learn More with the 'Watch My Needs' Course

To help families, carers, and professionals gain practical skills in using Makaton to support individuals with memory and understanding changes, I offer a course called “Watch My Needs.” This is a five-week programme consisting of five, 90-minute sessions including refreshment break, designed to build confidence and communication step by step. This can be delivered in a care setting for a group activity with staff support or as a public course where carers and the person they are supporting come along together.

Each session explores how to use signs, symbols, and communication strategies in real-life situations — from everyday conversations and routines to supporting emotional expression and independence.

If you’d like to find out more about the Watch My Needs course or discuss how Makaton training could support someone you work with or care for, get in touch today to book your place or request more information.

📧 Email: alimakatontutor@gmail.com

🌐 Visit: www.alimakatontutor.com click the public or private training tab

Let’s work together to make communication accessible, empowering, and meaningful for everyone.

References and Further Reading:

• The Makaton Charity (2024). What is Makaton? Available at: makaton.org

• Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (2024). Supporting Adults with Communication Needs. rcslt.org

• Alzheimer’s Society (2024). Communicating with People with Dementia. alzheimers.org.uk

• Stroke Association (2024). Communication Problems After Stroke. stroke.org.uk

• NHS (2024). Aphasia and Communication Aids. nhs.uk/conditions/aphasia

**Disclaimer**

The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and thoughts and information expressed in these blogs are from my own personal thoughts and real life experiences, they do not contain advisory content. While always striving to provide accurate and up-to-date content, there are no guarantees about the completeness or reliability of any information. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. 

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Any questions or queries please do get in touch - alimakatontutor@gmail.com