Find Aphasia therapy services in vancouver & Burnaby
Living with aphasia can be a challenging experience, not just for those directly affected but also for their loved ones. Aphasia, a condition that impairs a person's ability to communicate, often results from brain injuries such as strokes. It can profoundly impact speaking, listening, reading, and writing abilities. Fortunately, there are specialized services available in Vancouver and Burnaby that can help individuals with aphasia regain their communication skills and improve their quality of life. In this post, we'll explore some options for finding aphasia therapy services here.
Finding aphasia therapy services in Vancouver can be difficult unless you understand healthcare system for post-stroke or post-injury care.
The first step in seeking aphasia therapy services is to connect with local hospitals and rehabilitation centers. Vancouver and Burnaby are home to several medical facilities that offer speech-language pathology services. Vancouver General Hospital and Burnaby Hospital are two prominent hospitals where you can find specialized care for rehabilitation. These hospitals often have dedicated speech-language pathologists (SLPs) who work closely with patients recovering from strokes or other neurological conditions. G.F. Strong in Vancouver, Queens Park in New Westminister also have inpatient and outpatient programs to support neuro rehabilitation that you may qualify for. You can also inquire about outpatient services or referral programs that may be available. The best time to inquire is while the patient is still in the hospital, before discharge. Specifically, you can ask your care team about generating a home program and specific strategies and supports that will help once you are discharged from the hospital. It’s always best to ask your team, “What’s next?” so that you have an idea of the start and end of services so that you can plan ahead.
Another valuable resource for aphasia therapy in Vancouver and Burnaby is private clinics specializing in speech therapy. These clinics often provide more personalized and intensive therapy sessions tailored to the individual's needs. Clinics such as Mercury Speech & Language offer a range of services, from individual therapy to group sessions. Private clinics may also provide more flexible scheduling options, which can be beneficial for individuals with busy lives or specific needs. Private clinics may offer services in the home, the community, or online, which can be very convenient, especially if mobility or transportation is difficult. Speech and Hearing BC is also a resource that has a directory of private practice individuals in BC.
Some clinics offer services from communication assistants which can offset the cost of SLPs if paying privately. In these instances, the SLP may do the initial assessment, but the communication assistant carries out therapy. This is a very cost effective way to receive services- however you should make sure that the SLP and communication assistant do a joint check-in session every couple of months to make sure that the therapy plan is implemented and updated regularly.
Conversation groups are another cost-effective service delivery model for adults looking to practice and maintain their communication skills with other adults who have aphasia. Numerous low-cost or free groups exist through Fraser Health, Northern Health, March of Dimes and Stroke Recovery Association of BC, among many others. An SLP or volunteer might facilitate these groups and they can be both online and in-person. These groups are excellent for maintenance of communication skills and expanding social networks for support, though they are not tailored therapy, so a combination of group and individual therapy is often recommended.
Finally, it's essential to consider online resources and teletherapy options, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many speech-language pathologists now offer virtual therapy sessions, making it easier for individuals to access care from the comfort of their own homes. This option is especially valuable for those who may have difficulty traveling to in-person appointments. Make sure the therapist is licensed in BC, and no matter where in BC they live, they will be able to treat anyone in BC through teletherapy.
Finding the right aphasia therapy services in Vancouver and Burnaby may require some research and exploration, but there are numerous resources available to support individuals and their families. Whether through hospitals, private clinics, community organizations, or online services, those affected by aphasia have access to a variety of therapeutic options. With the right support, individuals with aphasia can work towards regaining their communication skills and improving their overall well-being.
Mercury Speech & Language offers tailored aphasia therapy services for adults in Vancouver, Burnaby & online. Email us at info@mercuryslp.com to learn more about our aphasia speech therapy services.
