The spouse may be forced to reduce or find help for financial stresses, which may mean finding employment. Getting back into a routine can also go a long way toward helping one feel organized to some degree. Seeking out hope has to become a priority, and support groups, such as an aphasia community group made up of people who have had similar experiences, is a good place to begin. Caregivers, especially, need to allow themselves to accept expressions of caring and helping from others. Finally, as soon as the strength is developed, the spouse as well as the person with aphasia may want to set some goals.
Goals give people something to look forward to - an important factor in getting on with life.
It could be something as small as going out to see a movie, or as large as planning a trip. Whatever works toward a future that can be shaped is worthy of some goal setting. We created a distribution center for educational materials and installed an 800 number in our home. Every day, the NAA toll-free line brings stories of frustration, fear, and desperation. We get involved for a short time in these people's lives trying to educate, encourage, and empower them to help themselves with their personal journey in the world of aphasia.