Reducing the Risk of Loneliness in People with Aphasia

Aphasia is a language disorder that happens when you have brain damage. Your brain has two halves. Language skills are in the left half of the brain in most people. Damage on that side of your brain may lead to language problems. Damage on the right side of your brain may cause other problems, like poor attention or memory. 

Aphasia is most often caused by a stroke. A person can experience expressive or receptive aphasia.

• Expressive aphasia impacts expressive language (speaking and writing).

• Receptive aphasia impacts receptive language (listening and understanding).

People with aphasia and their caregivers can often get frustrated in conversation. Due to their language disorder, people with aphasia may:

• withdraw from friends & family

• stop participating in past hobbies

• talk less 

People with aphasia are at a higher risk for isolation and depression. It's important for them to continue to socialize with others and participate in daily tasks & hobbies. 

Ways to promote language & opportunities for socialization: 

• Begin speech therapy

• Join online support groups (ex: Virtual Connections through Lingraphica)

• Visit in-person support groups

• Join a community center (ex: YMCA, local adult center)

• Find a volunteer job (ex: library, hospital, aphasia groups, etc...)

• Work at a low-pressure job (ex: dishwasher, librarian, crossing guard, etc...) 

We know how frustrating it can feel when you can't talk to your loved ones like you used to. Speech therapy and community will become a KEY part of your journey.  

Questions about how to help someone with aphasia? Email me at: hello@thewynterwellnessgroup.com! 

Be well!

- Alex