Dear Paul,
Your wife is very fortunate to have you as an advocate during this challenging time. Without knowing your wife, and testing her language and cognitive skills, it would be difficult for me to recommend a specific speech and language intervention or program for her. What I can tell you is that intensive therapy has been shown to be quite beneficial for some individuals with aphasia and RIC has an excellent reputation. If you are considering this option, I’d highly recommend that you contact a speech-language pathologist at the facility and discuss the details (RIC’s Intensive Aphasia Therapy Program, 312-238-6163). Again, this program is not appropriate for everyone with aphasia. Gather information about many programs, including the program that your wife is currently attending. Her current facility may provide intensive treatment as well. Once you have gathered the information about the various programs, talk you’re your wife’s neurologist/physiatrist/primary care physician about the best treatment options. Wishing you and your wife the best.

Paul, I believe your wife is very fortunate to have you as her advocate. I genuinely believe that individuals with aphasia benefit greatly when their spouse/family are hopeful and motivated to provide the best care/treatment possible. With that said, research has indicated that individuals with aphasia have benefited from high dose intensive service programs. Rehab Institute of Chicago is recognized as a highly reputable program known for providing a comprehensive service for individuals with aphasia. The mission and vision of RIC has the best interest of the individual at the center. I think it’s critical that you contact a speech pathologist from RIC regarding the program content. You may learn more about the program by viewing their website. The contact information for RIC is: 312-238-6163. I also recommend talking with the neurologist and physiatrist. The neurologist and physiatrist will have recommendations with respect to your wife’s ability to tolerate the intensity at this time in her recovery. It’s important to know that if your wife is not up to the intensity at this time she may benefit in a few months or even a year or more down the road. The speech pathologist at RIC will be a great resource for you.
Paul, I’m sure you have been provided with more information than you can currently read; however I’d strongly recommend reading Jon Lyon’s book, Coping with Aphasia and Martha Taylor Sarno’s book, Understanding Aphasia for Family and friends. I have talked with family members that have found great strength in looking at this website and in looking at the resources of the National Aphasia Association.
Again, I believe your wife is very fortunate to have you caring for her. Take care,

Mary Beth Clark, MS/CCC

Dear Paul,

Thank you for your interest in the Intensive Aphasia Program at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. I am a speech-language pathologist and work in the RIC Academy and have also been involved in some research in aphasia. The RIC Intensive Aphasia Program is Directed by Dr. Leora Cherney and she can give you specfic information about the program. She can be reached at lcherney@ric.org or at 312-238-6163. I know that there have been a number of persons with aphasia who have attended more than one session in the RIC Intensive Program. Please let me know if you have any further questions.

I wish you luck in finding the right program for your wife. She is very luck to have you.

Anita S. Halper, MA, CCC-SLP, Board Certfied-ANCDS

Paul,
It looks like the wonderful advice of another SLP has gotten you started and am thrilled that they hooked you up with the appropriate people at RIC. YOu will find them, and other intensive programs around the country to be excellent in education, training and support of your efforts at this time.
Let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Maura English Silverman, MS, CCC/SLP
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