Carer training
Few things are more upsetting than finding you can no longer communicate with the person you spend your life with.
Caring for a husband or wife, parent or child with aphasia places a huge emotional strain on the carer. Without support their relationships, mental health and wellbeing can suffer – and the care they provide can break down.
Our training helps carers of people with aphasia to communicate with them, improving the health and wellbeing of both the carer and the person they care for.
We offer both one-day courses and ongoing training for carers of people with aphasia. We help carers develop their skills as ‘conversation partners’, so they can learn new ways to communicate with the person they care for.
Carers find out about the nature of stroke, and why it causes communication problems. They also learn about the care and support available, giving the person with aphasia more choice and control over their care.
Carer training is an opportunity to learn and share practical skills.
Outcomes
• Carers are better able to meet the needs of people with aphasia and support their recovery
• Carers are informed about stroke and the care and support available
• Eases the burden on speech and language therapists and supports their work
• Improved emotional wellbeing – better communication helps carers and the people they care for to have a better relationship
• Reduced isolation and opportunities for social interaction
Return to the Life After Stroke Services model
‘I still don’t remember all the time to slow down, but I’m slowly learning. Sometimes I’ll say, “Bernadette, I’m going to shut up for two minutes” to give her a chance to answer. I’ve learnt that offering four different things to eat is a waste of time. But she’s getting better at deciding too.’ Hugh, carer for his wife Bernadette