Dunedin-based speech and language therapist and AphasiaNZ community aphasia counselor Meryl Jones is eager to give a voice to people in the local community living with the condition, as part of Aphasia Awareness Month (June).
“We want people to stop and think, ‘What is aphasia? Who do I know?’ And ‘How can I help support that person?’ ”Ms Jones said.
Aphasia is a language disorder that occurs as a result of a stroke, brain injury, brain tumor or other neurological problems.
More than 20,000 people in New Zealand live with aphasia, although the true number is likely to be higher.
Every day, about eight people in New Zealand get aphasia after a stroke – more than 2,900 people each year, with one in three people having a stroke likely to develop aphasia.
“Aphasia can affect various aspects of language, including the ability to find words and create sentences, as well as problems with understanding speech or the written word,” Ms Jones said.
“However, it does not have an impact on a person’s intelligence, and their hearing is not affected either, so it is important that people speak normally and clearly …”
By its very nature, aphasia tended to be a silent disability, with communication problems often leading to social isolation and concomitant depression.
“One of my roles is to help give people living with aphasia a voice, and to help them continue to participate in society,” Ms Jones said.
Along with working to educate people with aphasia, she also helps family and friends with strategies to find paths to effective communication.
People who developed aphasia in New Zealand received good support from District Health Councils, although it tended to be for a fairly limited time, she said.
This was where AphasiaNZ stepped in and provided ongoing support services (including peer support groups), resources, education, information and caregivers.
general issues
Common problems associated with aphasia
• Talking is hard.
• People talk too fast.
• Words get lost, or there are no words at all.
• Loss of confidence.
• Difficult to handle numbers and money.
• Everything takes longer.
Support groups
• Dunedin Korero Group, led by Meryl Jones, meets fortnightly on Tuesdays, from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm at Dunedin Community House, Moray Pl. Inquiries, phone (021) 177-0587, email [email protected]
• Dunedin Aphasia Support Group for people with aphasia and family / caregivers, led by Alison Zani, meets fortnightly on Friday mornings. Inquiries, call (0210) 254-5837.
• There is also a group for people with Primary Progressive Aphasia, led by Charlotte McCully, which meets monthly on a Saturday. For details, contact Ms Jones as above.
how to help
How to help someone with aphasia communication
• Speak, of course – there is no need to shout.
• Use props such as photos, maps and drawings.
• Repeat to see if you are on the same track.
• Use clear, simple language.
• Cover one idea at a time.
• Take a pen and paper.
• Confirm yes or no.
• Allow plenty of time.