My Grandmother had a stroke two days ago. Ideas on how to communicate?

She is in a sleep-like, unconscious state, and she only opens her eyes occasionally. We believe she can hear us. We asked her to raise two fingers and she appeared to do that, although the reaction seemed somewhat delayed. She had not made this gesture up until this point. We are hoping to see continued improvement, but I would like to know if that is a realistic expectation. Also I was wondering if anyone had ideas as to how we could attempt to communicate with her.

[zephir]

I an Sorry to hear about your grandmother. My son's father-in-law just had a major stroke last week.  It has affected his left side and he can not speak or eat by mouth.  He also has been in and out of a sleep state.  The sleeping is part of the stroke itself and any medications that are being given for any pain.  When Fran is some what awake my son and his wife talk to him by having him squeeze their finger  with his good hand.  One squeeze for yes and two squeezes for no.  The body needs time to heal from such a trama. Sleeping will help bring strength back.  She will become more alert as time goes on.