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The last Aphasia Cafe chat occurred on September 24th. We got together to talk about great moments in caregiving. People with aphasia shared moments that made a difference in their lives, caregivers shared their own favourite moments, and SLPs shared what they observed when it came to relationships.

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 10th, and we will be discussing what makes a great support group or speech therapy group. You need to RSVP in order to get sent the link to join the video chat. Sign up closes on October 7th.

Why This Topic

There’s actually a very good reason why we chose this question for the discussion. This fall, the NAA is releasing our first book, an aphasia guide for caregivers. It will be available as a free download in just a few months from now. It contains helpful information for every type of aphasia on every point of your family’s aphasia journey: from newly-diagnosed to living with aphasia.

The final chapter will contain YOUR words: what do caregivers need to know from people with aphasia, other caregivers, or professionals to help them be great caregivers? People in the chat contributed the ideas below, but we want to hear YOUR words even if you couldn’t join us (or if you thought of additional ideas during the chat).

Fill out this form by 11:59 PM EST on October 8th in order to have your words possibly included in our book. We will notify you if your words are going into the final chapter.

The Caregiving Discussion

We had a great discussion about caregiving (as well as an entertaining free-for-all chat about Downton Abbey and mystery shows towards the end).

“Matt, my husband, gives me all my forgotten vocab!” –Ann C.

“My caregiver is my husband, Joe, and he cooks for me. He even cooks for ‘Food Not Bombs.’ He is the greatest.” –Laura M.

“She helped me meet others with aphasia so I didn’t feel alone. Now she started a bi-monthly meeting of people with aphasia. It’s great to see others having the same issues.” –Bruce L.

“The best thing I’ve observed is a mother’s daughter always comes to the session with her.” –Harina

“We did a selfie together (my wife has PPA NON-FLUENT) and we sang happy birthday to our 40+-year-old son. He was shocked that she could sing and knew all the words, and she sounded pretty good! It made his day, he said. That moment was very exhilarating, fun, and rewarding for all of us.” –Tim W.

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 10th, and we will be discussing what makes a great support group or speech therapy group. You need to RSVP in order to get sent the link to join the video chat. Sign up closes on October 7th.