Has your brother received any Speech Pathology services?
Your brother could apply for a Chronic Disease Management Plan via the GP to access 5 Medicare subsidised sessions. The Speech Pathologist would then be able to assess your brother’s communication and provide strategies on how best to support him. You can find a local Speech Pathologist online.
When it comes to attending medical appointments, I would strongly recommend that someone accompany your brother at all times. The Australian Aphasia Association has a resource called ‘The Australian Aphasia Guide’ which may be useful in educating your brother’s friends, family and medical professionals on what Aphasia is and how it affects him.
I would recommend contacting the Social Aphasia Group of Tasmania to see what supports are available in your region. They may be able to put you in touch with someone who has experienced apraxia of speech and aphasia either first hand or as a family member or friend.
The enableme community may also have stroke survivors with aphasia and apraxia of speech. Have a look under the ‘Resources’ and ‘Community’ tabs.
Finally, If you would like to speak to a Speech Pathologist, then please feel free to phone me on StrokeLine on 1800 787 653, Thurs and Fri 9am-5pm. I have worked with a number of clients who have both aphasia and apraxia of speech over the past 6 years and I would be more than happy to share my knowledge and experiences with you.
Best wishes,
Alana (Speech Pathologist for StrokeLine)