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The last Aphasia Cafe chat occurred on October 10th. We got together to talk about what makes a great support group or speech therapy group. People with aphasia shared the best parts of their support groups, and we had an interesting discussion on various situations––such as what to do if there isn’t a support group in your area. If you don’t have a support group in your area, we talked about how to form one.

 

The bi-weekly (as in, every two weeks) chat is a great place to check in with fellow people with aphasia, caregivers, or people who work with aphasia. It’s an aphasia-friendly space where you can take your time, meet other people with aphasia, and talk about whatever is on your mind.

 

The next chat will take place on October 23rd at noon (Eastern Standard Time), and we will be discussing traveling when you have aphasia. You need to RSVP in order to get sent the link to join the video chat. Sign up closes on October 21st at 8 am EST.

How Many People Attend a Support Group?

So how many people at the chat attend a support group?

 

Support Groups

 

For people in that 15.2% “other” category, the answers ranged:

 

  • Joining “one starting early October.”
  • Cannot find an aphasia support group in my area.
  • Had a support group in the Chicago area. Now living in Crossville, TN, and no support groups to be found.
  • I sometimes attend my husband’s support group but not one for caregivers.

The Support Group Discussion

We had a great discussion about support groups and speech therapy groups. In fact, the conversation was so good that we kept talking for more than an hour.

 

“A sense of humor and good listening skills.” –Cyndi C.

 

“Support groups need to give people with aphasia time to get out the things they are trying to say. Also they should have a moderator who speaks slowly and also makes sure they tell everyone that is a part of the group to speak slowly.” –Jenn

 

“A good support group is a place I can go and know I will be supported by other participants in the group. I go to a news group each week where all the participants bring in an article and we discuss as a group. The discussion sometimes leads to other topics.” –Patrick O

 

“Understand I’m not alone.” –Vikki

 

“To have one close by my house” –Michelle

 

“Frequency of meetings!” –Amy

 

“A ‘dream’ support group would have the latest information on different speech and other therapy that can help people with PPA, along with guest speakers such as doctors, and other health care professionals familiar with this disease.” –Paulette

Future Chat Ideas

Have a great idea for a chat topic? We’d love to hear about it. Fill out this form, and we’ll consider your idea for a future chat.

Next Chat

Remember, the next chat is on October 23rd at noon (Eastern Standard Time), and we will be discussing traveling when you have aphasia. You need to RSVP in order to get sent the link to join the video chat. Sign up closes on October 21st at 8 am EST.