Visiting a friend who's had a stroke

Maybe don't stay for a full hour? She may be very tired. Alternatively, people can make rapid recovery sometimes so she might be better than you think. I do hope so.
At least she'll be glad to see a familiar face!

I agree I think you will find she probably sleeps or dozes and the whole hour may be too much for her. I wouldn't worry about any activity just be there. She might juts like her hair combed or some hand cream put on that kind of touching thing is often appreciated.

Sometimes after a stroke some skills slowly return, I hope this happens with your friend.
Otherwise, does she like reading? Can she still read? You could perhaps read to her sometimes.
Another method of communication - my eldest's MiL had a terrible neuro. wasting disease, and she was able to use a word and letter board, where you point or nod at what you want to say.

Maybe ask her to squeeze your hand if she is understanding what you are saying. If she cannot communicate it may be of help to do this in a form of question but obviously it has to be a yes/no session but at least you will find out if she is comprehending.

Good ideas on here, your friend will appreciate your visit even if she can't tell you that. Small beauty treatments and reading the local paper will help. Just being there for support is the main thing, it may feel uncomfortable for you but will mean a lot to your friend.

Your friend must be very scared and lonely at being unable to communicate, I agree with the hand holding massaging and even reading a few things from the paper ,she may not understand but will hopefully take comfort from you being there x

Do you know what type of books she likes maybe you could read to her a little from a well loved book/poem. I agree with the hand cream massaging its is very soothing, maybe take some nice facial wipes and give her face/neck a gentle massage with one she might enjoy the smell/feel on her skin. As others have said keep your visit shorter there is not need to stay the full hour.

Whatever you do, or whether you do nothing doesn't matter, being there for her is the main thing. It may be difficult but you are being a good friend and showing that you care. Hand /arm /foot massage, painting nails anything which involves physical contact will help, music, looking at photos, read to her.....all or any of that will help.

The fact she can't speak doesn't necessarily mean she can't understand, you say she can nod, which is a positive response.
Take a pad and pen, speak to her then offer her the pen and pad, she might be able to respond. You will soon know by her response.
Don't stay for an hour, start off with shorter visits.

Thank you all for these very supportive and understanding comments. It is so sad to see her like this. I hope she can improve with therapy and only time will tell. You've all been very helpful and I shall follow your suggestions. Grateful thanks.