Therapy frequently focuses on recovery of words. But recovery is more than words. People with aphasia and their loved ones are at higher risk of depression and lowered quality of life. It is common to feel frustrated, lonely, sad, worried or overwhelmed.
Support for you and your loved ones is important in adjusting to life with aphasia. This may be support for mental wellbeing, to access therapy services and/or grief and adjustment.
Traditional psychological services are difficult to access for people with aphasia. 'Talk based' therapies require communication levels that are frequently too difficult for people with aphasia. Additionally, many therapists are not trained in aphasia friendly techniques or support strategies for people with neurological conditions. Positively, there is current research to address this with aphasia friendly models of psychological care.
The Speech Rehab Centre is based in Perth. We have recommended some WA based as well as national services.
Aphasia specific support
Aphasia WA: runs support groups around Perth with a focus on people with aphasia supporting each other.
Australian Aphasia Association (AAA): explains more about mental health and wellbeing and suggests strategies that may help.
Aphasia Centre for Research Excellence: is a government funded program of research with particular interest in mental wellbeing.
Aphasia Community: Lists aphasia groups that run nationally.
Local hospitals - you can contact the Speech Pathology department of your hospital of discharge to ask for further support.
General support
Enableme - Stroke Foundation: general stroke information and resources
Mental health care plan via your GP: This helps to cover the cost of up to ten sessions with a trained psychological health care professional. A higher level of communication may be required as they are unlikely to be trained in aphasia friendly communication. Your speech pathologist may be able to provide the health professional with communication tips if you consent.
Carers Australia: Carers Australia is the national peak body representing Australia’s unpaid carers, advocating on their behalf to influence policies and services at a national level.
Comments