In Partnership with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation

Aphasia is a language and communication difficulty that commonly follows stroke. Many people with aphasia have difficulty understanding written or spoken language and expressing themselves in speech or writing. It is estimated that there are at least 40,000 people with aphasia living in the UK. This report describes the findings of an ethnographic study of 20 people with severe aphasia. The aim of the study was to chart the detail of day-to-day life, the challenges faced by people with aphasia, their families and paid carers, and the degree to which statutory health and social services and other, voluntary sector and independent agencies, are meeting their support needs. Interviews were also conducted with primary carers and with health and social care professionals and other service providers.

The report throws light on the social exclusion of this group of people and the challenges faced by carers and service providers. It indicates the potential for changing the experience of people with severe aphasia and highlights the urgent need for training and support for all those likely to come into contact with this group: family members, care home managers and staff, rehabilitation personnel and workers in the voluntary sector, as well as greater efforts to integrate and transform services so that needs and rights are identified and access to support is opened up.

Professionals within the social care sector are required to undertake Continuous Professional Development (CPD) by the General Social Care Council (GSCC). Those who use this resource will be able to gain CPD points.