As we recently learned, the caregivers of people with aphasia face a variety of unique challenges in addition to the mental, emotional, and physical effects that frequently coincide. Caregivers grapple with stress, emotional well-being, sleep quality, energy level, life outlook, and even physical pain or discomfort. They also report worsening relationships with friends, people in…
We’ve all been there. You are with your loved one (who has aphasia) and encounter someone who isn’t familiar with the condition and struggles with the interaction. These encounters can be awkward, lead to frustration, or even cause your loved one to retreat from social situations. There are, however, effective ways to turn this into…
Few people ever anticipate becoming a caregiver to a spouse, child, parent, sibling. Yet, every year millions of individuals fall victim to stroke or traumatic brain injury, and aphasia. Many of those who acquire aphasia go on to recover within a few months. However, others will experience impairments that can last significantly longer – for…
An aphasia diagnosis can be one of the most devastating things to happen to someone who survives a stroke or traumatic brain injury. In an instant a person can lose their ability to comprehend and use language. Similarly, an aphasia diagnosis can be just as devastating for that individual’s family and the person who becomes…
Holidays are usually thought of as a joyful time of year. When living with aphasia, this may not always be the case. Holidays can present unique challenges for people living with communication disorders, as well as their caregivers. The Danish concept of hygge is all about enjoying the present moment. In the winter, the days…
If you are reading this blog, you or someone close to you most likely has aphasia. It’s a condition that can have a significant influence over your life — from how you communicate to how you engage the world around you. Having New Year’s resolutions can be a great way to change your life in…
Grandparents and grandkids often spend more time together during the holidays than at any other time during the year. For many, it can be a struggle to communicate with grandkids in a meaningful way. This can be especially true when you have aphasia and communication issues appear to widen the distance between you. Here are…
Journalists and media writers like to say we’re living in “Peak TV” because there have been a lot of good TV shows recently. But, a lot of the best shows aren’t just aired on traditional networks anymore — many also appear on online streaming services. With the kids and grandkids around for the holidays, these…
When you have aphasia, going out to eat is about more than just filling your stomach. Whether you’re sharing a meal with friends or just grabbing a quick lunch for yourself, communication is a big part of the equation. You’ll need to be able to communicate with your waiter or other restaurant staff. However, with…
Having a loved one with aphasia can add stress to the whole family. Many caregivers find themselves with unexpected responsibilities. These can include navigating doctors’ appointments and providing assistance with everyday tasks. If the stroke caused one or both people to stop working, finances can be another big stressor. In a recent survey by Lingraphica,…
