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AHF Curriculum for Survivors and Caregivers - What do you do after your insurance runs out for speech and physical therapy?
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Question: Just wanted to share my mother's story. She suffered a major stroke in Feb '03 at age 71 leaving her unable to speak OR write or type. She can read. She is only able to say "Mama Molly Bows" which is what she says for anything and everything. Sometimes it can be quite annoying hearing those same words over and over and over again but she certainly would choose otherwise if at all possible. We are fortunate in that she IS able to answer "yes" or "no" appropriately to questions so there are many questions in our home! It's amazing to those who see us how we are able to carry on conversations. She is VERY expressive in voice intonation which actually helps us understand her even more. Thru it all Mom indicates that she is simply happy to be alive and sharing life with family. I would like to be sure I am supplying all opportunites to her which may improve her ability to communicate. I search for new treatments and therapies frequently. Are there any resources availble which might be helpful with mom's limitations? Thanks!
Answer: Sounds like your Mother has a delightful way with non-verbal communication (intonation, facial expressions, head nods, and gestures) in the absence of traditional speech. Suspect she may have both aphasia and could have some symptoms of apraxia of speech (difficulty with motor planning). Given that it has been about 5 years since the stroke, I would not anticipate a significant improvement in speaking. I would certainly reinforce and highlight all of her positive non-verbal communication skills. Additional suggestions for non-verbal communication - Consider encouraging any type of drawing to assist with expressing herself (use the alternate hand if one hand is weak) and use of her hands to gesture communication needs. You may want to seek out a speech-language pathologist familiar with "assistive" or "augmentative communcation devices". If you do not already have results from a prior evaluation - ask for an assessment of all language areas including listening, reading, and writing. Suggestions from the speech-language pathologist may include something as simple picture book or could include a computerized device that would allow your Mother to press a picture and would generate a computerized speech response. Many of these devices can be programmed to meet the specific communication needs. If you decide to try this route - don't be afraid to ask the clinician to allow your mother to try 2 - 3 different types of devices. There are a range of sizes, memory, functional needs, and prices to review. Melodic Intonation Therapy (MIT) is not a new treatment - but, a treatment you may wish to review with the speech pathologist. It gives a structured approach to using variety of tones or intonational patterns to facilitate speech tasks. The speech pathologist may be able to see if your Mother responds to this type of activity. As far as "new" behavioral rehabilitation treatments, there are a couple of research centers that are working on protocols for speech - but, all are experimental at this time. et us know if you need more information. Read more. |
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Who are we?
Aphasia Hope Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit foundation that has a two-fold mission: (1) to promote research into the prevention and cure of aphasia and (2) to ensure that all survivors of aphasia and their caregivers are aware of and have access to the best possible treatments available.
The information on this site is not authoritative medical advice or treatment methods as this should be discussed in consultation with your own doctor. AHF simply provides insightful tips for living with aphasia and shares personal experiences of aphasia survivors.
If you would like to read other or post your own comments and questions submitted by survivors, caregivers, and others, then click here.
Click here to learn how to benefit from the web site and related tools.
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| What is aphasia? |
| Aphasia is a speech/language disorder that impairs a person's ability to communicate. It is most commonly the result of a stroke but can occur from any severe head injury. Learn more. |
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