Info on aphasia and how family can help

Hello,

Thank you for your question. Sorry to hear about your dad’s stroke.

Please find a list of suggestions for potential apps/resources to help aid your dad’s communication. I would run them past his treating speech pathologist first to check if they are suitable, particularly the ones that cost to upload.

Communication Apps:

• The Independent Living Centre NSW has a section on communication, phones, reading and writing apps.
• See these communication applications on Independent Living Centres Australia.

General/Therapy resources

• The Australian Aphasia Association has some information regarding aphasia
• Aphasia therapy online (free). Please speak to your dad’s speech pathologist about which activities would be most appropriate
• The Stroke Association has a great tips for family and friends of those with communication difficulties: Helping someone with communication problems

I highly recommend first speaking to your dad’s speech pathologist about which therapy resources would be most appropriate. If possible, go along to his speech pathology sessions. It would also be worth requesting them to provide you with activities which you and the rest of the family can complete when you visit, to compliment the therapy provided.

With regards to your dad’s assessment and review, we would recommend you ask the social worker for an update. You may like to ask if a family meeting is planned for a review. A family meeting would be a great opportunity for you and the rest of the family to receive an update and future plan from the doctors, nurses and therapists. The length of the assessment period can vary and we would encourage you to keep asking the treating team questions so you can stay updated.

Please don’t hesitate to call us on 1800 787 653 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm AEST). Lisa, our speech pathologist works on StrokeLine Thursday and Friday.

Best Wishes

Kathryn (StrokeLine)