We’re continuing with our affiliate highlight series, this time turning our eye to Synapse House in Elmhurst, Illinois
What Makes Synapse House Unique?
We use the Clubhouse Model to work with individuals with brain injury and stroke that have aphasia. The Clubhouse philosophy is that work is healing. Through functional work, our members regain language skills. Due to the increase in young adults having strokes, our population of those with stroke and aphasia has grown.
Great Success Stories
MJ entered our program two years ago with severe aphasia. He could communicate through single words about 50% of the time, and he could not read or write. Last week, he returned to work again! He can now write a paragraph, read two or three short sentences, and communicate verbally with short responses that are sometimes fused with his own humor to compensate if cannot think of the right word.
They Love What They Do
I love that I can work with our members for as long as they want to participate. Because we are a nonprofit, we are not always bound by limitations of insurance.
Services and Support Groups
We offer the Clubhouse Day Program and have our own social enterprise – Flour to Empower Bakery.
Special Services for Caregivers
We also offer a family support group and a caregiver boot camp.
Last Thoughts
Hope is always present, and it is important that individuals move past being a patient to focus on abilities as well.
More Information
Do you live in the Elmhurst, Illinois area? Contact the Synapse House for speech services and support groups.
We’re spending 2018 highlighting our affiliates in order to make it easier for caregivers to find services for their loved ones. Are you an affiliate of the NAA and would like to be highlighted in a future installment? Please fill out the form and we’ll contact you.