Aphasia Therapy When Insurance Stops
It may take years to recover from aphasia. Unfortunately, most people find that their insurance coverage runs out before they’re done with therapy. It’s often frustrating for the patient and their family as they try to continue recovery with limited professional support.
If your insurance is no longer covering professional speech-language intervention, the following low-cost options may help you continue your progress.
- Ask your speech-language pathologist for information about low-cost or free therapy services in your community. Universities offering speech-language pathology training programs are good resources.
- Find out if your community has research programs that provide free or low-cost therapy for people with aphasia who qualify for treatment studies. Universities, private clinics and government agencies such as the Department of Veterans Affairs and the National Institutes of Health can be great sources.
- See if a friend or family member can help you practice speech-language therapy. Your therapist may be able to develop a home therapy program for you.
- Seek out a volunteer who is new to you and your family to help with practice. Ask your church or community center for recommendations.
- Learn more about software programs that can help with ongoing, independent speech-language practice. Your speech-language pathologist can help you explore programs.
- Read out loud or ask a friend to read to you.
- Pair books with matching audiotapes, CDs or DVDs to boost your reading time.
- Look into aphasia or stroke support groups. If there isn’t a support group in your area, consider starting one.
Every time you speak, read, write or listen you’re improving your ability to communicate with others. Don’t give up!
