For Patients and Families 

Resources for Individuals with Aphasia and their Families:

Local Support Groups for Patients and Families

The University of Delaware Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic

  • Individual and small group treatment
  • Contact to discuss your options:

Blue Hen Brew Crew – UD’s Aphasia Support Group

  • Enjoy a cup of coffee and conversation
  • 3rd Tuesday of every month (contact to verify dates); 10:00 am
  • Contact: UD Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic
    • Phone: (302) 831-7100
  • South Atrium of UD STAR Campus
    540 S. College Avenue
    Newark, DE 19713

Caregiver Support Group Meeting

  • For friends and family of stroke/head injury survivors
  • Share ups and downs, provide/receive support, share resources and ideas
  • Meets select dates, contact for details; 5:00-6:30 pm
  • RSVP: Rebecca Hunting Pompon, PhD
  • University of Delaware, STAR Campus, Room 113 (next to atrium)
    540 S. College Avenue
    Newark, DE 19713

Aphasia Education Support Group

  • Meets 1st Wednesday of every month; 10:00-11:00 am
  • New aphasia-related topic each month
  • Presentation and discussion
  • Contact: Mindy Myers at mmyers@christianacare.org
  • Christiana Hospital, Room 1000
    4755 Ogletown-Stanton Road
    Newark, DE 19718

Aphasia Book Club (ABC)

  • Meets every Monday; 1:00-2:00 pm
  • $10.00 for each session; materials free
  • Phone: (302) 838-4700
  • Springside Outpatient Facility
    300 Biddle Avenue, Suite 101
    Newark, DE 19702

Delaware Stroke Initiative Support Group

  • Open to anyone in the community
  • Regular speakers; Refreshments provided; For speakers and topics, go here.
  • Meets 1st Thursday of every month; 4:00-5:30 pm
  • Contact: Don Squires
    • Phone: (302) 383-3404 (call or text)
    • Email: delawarestrokeinitiative@yahoo.com
  • Christiana Hospital, East Wing Room 4E85
    4755 Ogletown Stanton Rd
    Newark, DE  19718

Christiana Stroke Education & Support Group

  • Support group for survivors and caregivers
  • Meets 3rd Friday of every month; 12:00-1:00 pm
  • Contact: Julia Santini
  • Springside Plaza, Connor Building, Suite 101
    300 Biddle Ave
    Newark, DE  19702

Aphasia Connections Education/Support Group

  • For individuals affected by aphasia and their family/friends
  • Discussion about living your best life with aphasia; Feel free to bring a bagged lunch
  • Meets the last Wednesday of each month, 12:00-1:00pm
  • Contact: Jessica Intintoli, M.A., CCC-SLP at jintintoli@christianacare.org
  • Concord Health Center
    2nd floor conference room
    161 Wilmington-West Chester Pike
    Chadds Ford, PA 19317

Bayhealth Stroke Support Group

  • Open to anyone in the community
  • Meets 2nd Thursday of even numbered months; 5:30-7 pm
  • Contact: Kim Holmes
    • Phone: (302) 744-6638
    • Email: kimberly_holmes@bayhealth.org
  • Bayhealth Outpatient Center, Rehab Conference Room, Kent Campus
    640 South State Street
    Dover, DE  19901

Other local stroke support groups

Delaware: 

  • Brain Injury Association of Delaware Support Groups
    • Smyrna/Dover
      • 3rd Tues. of every month; 12 pm
      • Phone: (302) 731-7676 ext. 200
    • Sussex County – Lewes Senior Center
      • 2nd Thurs. of every month; 6:30 pm
      • Phone: (302) 542-4991
    • Wilmington – Alfred I. DuPont Hospital for Children
      • 3rd Thurs. of every month; 6:30 pm
      • Phone: (302) 737-4506
  • Bayhealth Stroke Support Group (Milford)
    • 2nd Thurs. of odd numbered months; 4-5:30 pm
    • Bayhealth Hospital, Sussex Campus
    • Phone: (302) 744-7095
    • Email: kimberly_holmes@bayhealth.org

Maryland:

  • Stroke Club – for survivors and caregivers (Baltimore)
    • MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center; 1st Thurs. of odd months; 1-2:30 pm
    • Phone: (443) 777-7900
    • Email: julie.d.irvine@medstar.net
  • St Agnes Hospital Stroke Support Group – for survivors and caregivers (Baltimore)
    • 4th Thurs. of every month; 2:30-3:45 pm
    • Phone: (410) 368-3246 to register
    • Email: ahollan1@stagnes.org
  • Good Samaritan Hospital Stroke Support Group – for survivors and caregivers (Baltimore)
    • MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital; 1st Thurs. of every month; 1-2:30 pm
    • Phone: (443) 444-4600
    • Email: kate.c.gerber@medstar.net
  • MedStar NRH Stroke Support Group – open to anyone in community (Bel Air)
    • MedStar Health Bel Air; 3rd Thurs. of every month; 6:30-8 pm
    • Phone: (410) 877-8078 ext. 2
    • Email: keri.j.weyforth@medstar.net
  • Upper Chesapeake Stroke Support Club – focus on aphasia; for survivors and caregivers (Bel Air)
    • Upper Chesapeake Medical Center
    • 3rd Wed. of every month; 10:30 am – 12 pm
    • Phone: (443) 643-3432
    • Email: jbrown5@uchs.org
  • Union Hospital of Cecil County Stroke Support Group (Elkton)
    • 2nd Wed. of every month; 10:30 am – 12 pm
    • Phone: (410) 398-4000 ext. 1734
    • Email: btruitt@uhcc.com
  •  UM Baltimore Washington Medical Center Stroke Support Group – for survivors and caregivers (Glen Burnie)
    • 2nd Tues. of every month; 6-7:30 pm
    • Phone: (410) 787-4138
    • Email: theresa.maloney@umm.edu
  • Brain Injury Association of Delaware Support Group (Salisbury)
    • Chesapeake Rehabilitation Hospital, Health South
    • 3rd Thurs. of every month; 6:30 pm
    • Contact: Anne Clay  Phone: (410) 742-2820

New Jersey:

  • Cooper Stroke and Aneurysm Support Group – open to anyone in community (Camden)
    • Cooper University Hospital; 3rd Wed. of every month; 2 pm
    • Phone: (856) 546-8525  Email: hullfish-corlynn@cooperhealth.edu
  • Cooper Neurological Institute Stroke & Aneurysm Support Group – for survivors and caregivers (Cherry Hill)
    • 1st Tues. of every month; 2:45 pm
    • Corlynn Hullfish  Phone: (856) 968-8581  Email: hullfish-corlynn@cooperhealth.edu
  • Community Stroke Support Group – open to anyone in community (Marlton)
    • Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation – Marlton; 1st Wed. of month (Feb-Dec); 7-9pm
    • Phone: (856) 988-8778 ext. 2033  Email: elouie@kessler-rehab.com
  • South Jersey Stroke Support – for survivors and caregivers (Vineland)
    • Encompass Health Rehab Hospital of Vineland
    • 2nd Tues. of every month; 1:30-2:30 pm
    • Phone: (856) 896-2037  Email: Nikole.spatola@healthsouth.com

Pennsylvania:

  • Shepherds Compassion Care Solutions – open to anyone in community (Ardmore)
    • 3rd Thurs. of every month; 6-7:30 pm
    • Phone: (610) 649-2434  Email: shermonab@yahoo.com
  • Aphasia Connections Education/Support Group – for individuals affected by aphasia and their family/friends (Chadds Ford)
  • Mercy Fitzgerald Stroke Support Group – for survivors and caregivers (Darby)
  • Stroke Caregiver Problem-Solving Group – for caregivers and variety of therapists (Elkins Park)
    • Einstein Medical Center Elkins Park; 1st Mon. of every month; 5-6 pm
    • Mary Noon  Phone: (215) 663-6275   Email: pelakmar@einstein.edu
  • Young Empowerment Stroke Support Group – for survivors and caregivers (Jenkintown)
    • MossRehab at Jenkintown Outpatient Center; 1st and 3rd Tues. of every month; 6-7:30 pm
    • Phone: (215) 884-9050  Email: mullerm@einstein.edu

    St. Mary Medical Center Stroke Support Group – for stroke survivors with aphasia and their caregivers (Langhorne)

    • St. Mary Rehab Hospital; 2nd Thurs. of every month; 2:30-3:30 pm
    • Phone: (267) 560-1100  Email: cgoetz@stmaryhealthcare.org
  • Lancaster Stroke Survivors Club – for stroke survivors and caregivers (Lancaster)
    • Lancaster Rehab Hospital; 1st Thurs. of every month; 6 pm
    • Anne Bryan  Phone: (717) 406-3007
  • UPMC Pinnacle Stroke Support Group – for stroke survivors and caregivers (Lancaster)
    • UPMC Pinnacle Lancaster; 1st Wed. of every month; 11 am – 12 pm
    • Deana Sweitzer  Phone: (717) 358-7208  Email: deana.sweitzer@pinnaclehealth.org
  • Aria Institute of Neuroscience Stroke Support Group – for stroke survivors and caregivers (Philadelphia)
    • Aria Health Campus, Torresdale Cancer Center; 1st Wed of every month; 6-7:30 pm; light dinner provided
    • Christopher Daily  Phone: (877) 808-2742   Email: christopher.daily@ariahealth.org
  • Graceful Hope Community Outreach Service – open to anyone in community (Philadelphia)
    • Graceful Hope Community Outreach Center; flexible gatherings, support sessions, or workshops; flexible schedule weeks and weekends
    • Carolyn Biggs  Phone: (267) 383-7912  Email: gracefulhopecommunityoutreach@gmail.com
  • Penn Medical Center Stroke Support Group – for young stroke survivors (Philadelphia)
    • 3rd Tues. of every month; 6:30 pm
    • Jean Luciano  Phone: (215) 662-7673  Email: jeanie.luciano@uphs.upenn.edu
  • Philadelphia Aphasia Community at Temple (PACT) – various programs and groups for individuals with aphasia, family, and friends
    • Temple University, various locations
    • Gayle DeDe  Phone: (215) 204-2453  Email: gayle.dede@temple.edu
    • Read their brochure
  • Stroke Family CARE Group – for survivors and family (Philadelphia)
    • Magee Rehab Hospital; 3rd Wed. of every month; 5:30-7pm
    • Also offer one-to-one Peer Mentor Program for extra support
    • Sonya Dibeler  Phone: (215) 587-3411  Email: sdibeler@mageerehab.org
  • Good Shepherd Penn Partners – open to anyone in community (Philadelphia)
    • Penn Medicine at Rittenhouse; last Tues. of every month; 3-4:30 pm
    • Natalia Sobotka  Phone: (215) 893-6324  Email: natalia.stroutinsky@uhps.upenn.edu
  • Mercy Philadelphia Hospital Support Group – for survivors and caregivers (Philadelphia)
    • 1st Thurs. of March, June, and Sept.-Dec.; 2-3 pm; call for details
    • Lynn Rinylo  Phone: (215) 748-9592  Email: lrinylo@mercyhealth.org
  • Thomas Jefferson University Hospital – for survivors and caregivers (Philadelphia)
    • 1st Wed. of every month; 1:30-2:30 pm
    • Phone: (215) 955-6582  Email: patrice.davis@jefferson.edu
  • The Aphasia Support Group – for anyone affected by aphasia (Philadelphia)
    • Magee Rehab Hospital; 1st Tues. of every month; 1 – 2:30 pm
    • Ashley Furlong  Phone: (215) 587-3484  Email: afurlong@mageerehab.org
  • Wendkos Stroke Group – informal gathering for stroke support and education (Philadelphia)
    • Magee Rehab Hospital; 1st Tues of every month; 11 am
    • Jennifer Salomon: (215) 587-3411  Email: jsalomon@mageerehab.org
  • Phoenixville Hospital Stroke Support Group – open to anyone in community (Phoenixville)
    • 2nd Thurs. of every other month; 10:30 – 11:30 am; call to verify months
    • Phone: (610) 983-1288  Email: barbara_o’connor@chs.net
  • Stroke Support Group at Taylor Rehab – for survivors and caregivers (Ridley Park)
    • Taylor Hospital, Rehab Cafe, 4th floor; 2nd Wed. of every month; 3 – 4:30 pm
    • Phone: (610) 595-6317  Email: eric.tosti@crozer.org
Residential Aphasia Programs

Program for Intensive Residential Aphasia Treatment (PIRATE), Pittsburgh, PA Veterans Administration

The Aphasia Center, St. Petersburg, FL

Intensive Aphasia Programs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Podcasts and Other Media
Organizations for People with Aphasia

Resources for Individuals with Dementia-related Diagnoses:

Support Groups for PPA and Dementia
Labs and Departments for Dementia-related Diagnoses

 

Resources for Stroke Survivors and their Families:

Organizations and Resources for Stroke Survivors
  •  American Stroke Association
    • Learn more about stroke, healthy habits to control stroke risk factors, and stroke rehab, recovery, and support options. Read other people’s stories and find out what’s new in stroke research. Find out about stroke support groups in your area and talk with other stroke survivors and caregivers
    • Sign up to get Stroke Connection, a free magazine for survivors and caregivers.
  • The National Center on Physical Activity and Disability
    • Visit this website to access personalized tools and resources to help you meet your goals for physical activity—regardless of your disability.
  • World Stroke Organization
    • International organization focused on stroke prevention, treatment, and long-term care across the globe.
  • Rebuilding Together
    • A national nonprofit group whose network of 200+ affiliates furnishes free home modifications and repairs for low-income homeowners who are disabled and for seniors – many of whom are stroke survivors
  • Eastern Seals
    • A disability services and support organization that offers programs to help purchase assistive technology. The Finance Your Independence program is open to Delaware residents of all
      ages with disabilities of all types; seniors with age-related functional limitations; and family members caring for someone with a disability.
  • HOPE Guide to Recovering from Stroke
    • Recovery from stroke is a lifelong For many people, recovery begins with formal rehabilitation. It is important for you and your family to know that, no matter where you are in your recovery journey, there is always hope. Learn as much as you can about stroke and recovery, and the resources that are available. National Stroke Association has designed this publication to provide you with valuable information and help you on your road to recovery.
  • Fact Sheets
    • Includes the following fact sheets and more: Stroke 101, assistive technologies, goal setting, blood medications, managing fatigue, healthy eating, driving, employment, bowel/bladder function, coping with emotions, dealing with pain
  • Life After Stroke
    • This site provides easy-to-understand information and guides about stroke and the journey after stroke. Download each section or the whole book. Sections include: First Questions after stroke, Effects of Stroke, The Rehabilitation Experience, and Facts and Further Reference.
Stroke Survivor and Caregiver Magazines
  • Stroke Smart Magazine
    • “Stroke Smart” was a magazine published by the National Stroke Association (now part of the American Stroke Association). Archived articles are available addressing topics for both stroke survivors and stroke
  • Stroke Connection Magazine
    • “Stroke Connection” is a FREE quarterly magazine published by the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association. Contains articles for both stroke survivors and stroke caregivers.
  • Today’s Caregiver Magazine
    • This bi-monthly magazine addressing the needs and concerns of caregivers, and is dedicated to those caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s, cancer, AIDS, and other threatening diseases.
    • Subscribe online.
Resources for Caregivers
  • Caregiver Self-Assessment Questionnaire 
    • 2-page questionnaire from the American Medical Association to help caregivers identify when they need support
  • Delaware 2-1-1
    • Statewide, county-based resource and referral service for health, human services, legal, or financial crises. Similar 211 services exist in most states.
  • Family Caregiver Alliance
    • Phone: (800) 445-8106
    • FCA is a public voice for caregivers (primarily geared towards eldercare) and has developed a wide array of services and publications based on caregiver needs. FCA offers programs at local, state, and national levels. They provide information on common caregiving issues and strategies, how to deal with health and legal issues, caregiver FAQs, and caregiver information in other languages.
    • Additionally, their website offers online caregiver support groups, available through an email/list serve format.
  • Eastern Seals
    • A disability services and support organization that offers programs to support caregivers navigating assistive technology and caregiver respite services.
  • National Alliance for Caregiving
    • Dedicated to providing support to family caregivers and the professionals who help them and to increasing public awareness of issues facing family caregivers.
    • They provide brochures on topics such as care for the caregiver, resources for caregivers, helping family caregivers through the process, and information on aging parents and palliative care.
  • Caregiver Action Network
    • Phone: (202) 454-3970
    • (formerly the National Family Caregivers’ Association) Maintains a peer-support network that puts caregivers in touch with others in similar situations.
    • Educates, supports, empowers, and speaks up for the more than 50 million Americans who care for loved ones with a chronic illness or disability or the frailties of old age.
    • Offers a newsletter and other printed materials with information and resources: the Caregiver Toolbox.
  • The Well Spouse Foundation
    • Phone: (732) 577-8899
    • Email: info@wellspouse.org
    • Provides support to spouses/partners of the chronically ill or disabled through support groups, caregiver networks, and a bimonthly newsletter.
    • Offers monthly, peer-run, in-person or telephone support groups. Here, members can share thoughts and feelings openly with others who are facing similar circumstances in a supportive, non-judgmental environment.
  • CareGiving.com
    • Phone: (773) 343-6341
    • Offers information about your needs as a caregiver, a caregiver blog, and online support groups.  Focuses on caring for aging relatives.
  • Net of Care
    • Email:  findhelp@netofcare.org.
    • Provides information for caregivers about what a caregiver is, how to cope as a caregiver, taking stock of your situation, and asking for help.  Offers resources for internet chat rooms with other caregivers and national caregivers organizations. 
  • AARP Family Caregiving
    • For support: (877) 333-5885
    • Spanish: 1-888-971-2013
    • A one-stop meeting place for caregivers of a wide variety of health conditions. By entering your email address, you can sign up for a monthly newsletter, which includes highlights from all categories.
    • Offers very useful coping tips and advice on issues such as the basics of caregiving, balancing caregiving with other duties, financial and legal matters, stress relief, food, fitness, wellness, comfort, and relaxation. The “Local Resources and Solutions” tab offers support and other resources located in your area.
  • Share the Care
    • Sharethecaregiving, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to educating the public about group caregiving as a proven option for meeting the needs of the seriously ill and their caregivers.
    • Sharethecaregiving uses a widely adopted group caregiving model known as SHARE THE CARE. The SHARE THE CARE model provides a road map on how to form a caregiver team (comprising friends, relatives, neighbors, coworkers, and acquaintances) to provide individuals and families with the help they need to meet the daily challenges of caregiving.
  • Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving
    • Provides information on caregiving, including reading lists, video products, and other caregiver resources.
  • Lotsa Helping Hands
    • Secure website that provides friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors the opportunity to offer help to loved ones at crucial times. An easy-to-use private group Care Calendar helps to coordinate tasks such as meals delivery, rides, and other tasks necessary to keep life running smoothly. Provides a space for status updates, message boards, and photo galleries.
  • Caring Bridge
    • Secure, personalized website to help keep loved ones current and connected during difficult times. Each website includes a patient care journal to update family and friends, a guestbook for messages of love, a photo gallery, and free online support for using the service.
Caregiver Media and Podcasts
  • Emotional Renewal for Caregivers: Looking After Yourself While Helping a Loved One by Lynn Joseph, PhD
    • This superb, 7-track, guided imagery CD targets caregiver stress in a wonderfully knowledgeable, compassionate, and comprehensive way. Segments include an Intro with Advice, and imagery segments for: Boosting Self-Love; Planning a Smooth Day; Healing Stressful Feelings; Connecting with Your Future Self; Sleeping Soundly; and much more. Playing time: 72 min.
    • Available from healthjourneys or Amazon.
  • A Guided Meditation to Help with Caregiver Stress by Belleruth Naparstek
    • Imagery to remind the caregiver – whether family member or professional provider – of their own strength, goodness, tenacity, and resourcefulness.  Also designed to provide relaxation and balance; sustain motivation; reduce isolation; acknowledge the difficulties without sugar-coating them; help release any accrued resentment; and restore hope for the future. Includes guided imagery and affirmations. Playing time: 45 min.
    • Available from healthjourneys or Amazon
Books

Family Caregiver Handbook — a 60-page pdf document with information about caregiving activities (in-home care and safety), resources, planning, as well as the emotional challenges of caregiving, published by Wash State DSHS. Especially note the “Caregiver Bill of Rights” on page 2, which can serve as a 1-page handout for caregivers and fuel support group discussion (see also National Aphasia Association — Caregiver Bill of Rights).

Stronger After Stroke: Your Roadmap to Recovery by Peter G. Levine

Don’t Leave Me This Way: Or When I Get Back on My Feet You’ll Be Sorry by Julia Fox Garrison

Brain, Heal Thyself: A Caregiver’s New Approach to Recovery from Stroke, Aneurysm,  And Traumatic Brain Injuries by Madonna Siles, Lawrence  J. Beuret

Lessons Learned: Stroke Recovery from a Caregiver’s Prospective by Berenice  Kleiman

After a Stroke: A Support Book for Patients, Caregivers, Families and Friends  (The Family Health Series) by Geoffrey Md Donnan, Carol Burton

The Comfort of Home for Stroke: A Guide for Caregivers by Maria M. Meyer, Paula Derr

Passages in Caregiving: Turning Chaos into Confidence by Gail Sheehy

Caregiving: The Spiritual Journey of Love, Loss, an d Renewal by Beth Witrogen McLeod

To Survive Caregiving: A Daughter’s Experience,  A Doctor’s Advice on Finding Hope, Help  and Health by Cheryl E. Woodson

Independent Living: Functioning With the Use of One Hand in a Two-Handed World by Patricia S. Burnett

Do It One-Handed: A Manual of Daily Living Skills for Stroke Rehabilitation by Susan Cohn

Hobbies and Activities

Moss Rehab Aphasia Activity Center

One-Handed Activity Tutorials:

Wellness and Well-Being

For Professionals 

For Professionals