Welcome caregivers, care partners, family, and friends.
You are not alone. We're here to help.
At MnCAN, we prefer the term care partner rather than the more traditionally used term caregiver.
A care partner is a friend, family member, neighbor, or other community member who partners with the person with aphasia to help the person actively participate in their life!
MnCAN Care Partner Support Group
While general stroke support groups can be very helpful for care partners, the specific challenge of aphasia often necessitates a different approach. The MnCAN Care Partner support group will provide opportunities for education about aphasia, as well as emotional support and peer sharing.
This group is open to anyone who cares for someone with aphasia. Your person with aphasia does not have to participate in a MnCAN group.
We look forward to meeting you, hearing your stories, and sharing tips for self-care and education about aphasia. Come and gain the support of others going through the same journey.
Group meeting details:
- The group meets the 2nd Thursday of each month from 6:30-7:30pm
- The group meets on Zoom
- A typical meeting includes: introductions, topic sharing and time for comments/questions. Topics include both speech-language aphasia-related and self-care/emotional support-related issues.
- To join, email us at contact@mncan.org
PPA Care Partner Support Group
In the Fall of 2025, MnCAN announced a virtual support group for care partners of people with Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA).
The MnCAN Care Partner support group will provide opportunities for emotional support and peer sharing. This group is open to anyone who supports someone with Primary Progressive Aphasia. A typical meeting includes: introductions, sharing of topics and time for comments/questions. Topics include both speech-language aphasia-related and self-care/emotional support-related issues.
We look forward to meeting you, hearing your stories, and sharing tips for self-care. Come and gain the support of others on a similar journey.
The support group meets monthly on Zoom. The group is facilitated by a speech-language pathologist. No tuition or registration is required.
Please refer to the MnCAN calendar for meeting details. Check PPA Programs for other support opportunities.
Minnesota Assistance & Respite Care
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Care Patrol
Care Patrol has several advisors in the Twin Cities available to help with care needs. -
DARTS
DARTS (Healthy Aging Solutions) Dakota County—DARTS is a nonprofit organization that has provided personalized, professional services to older adults and caregivers in the Twin Cities Southeast metro for over 50 years! -
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Family Caregiver Alliance
For more than 40 years, the Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) has provided expert support, resources and guidance to family caregivers of adults with physical and cognitive impairments, such as Parkinson’s, stroke, Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. -
Family Caregiver Connection
The Anoka County Family Caregiver Connection provides comprehensive services designed to support family caregivers and their care receivers. -
FamilyMeans
FamilyMeans – Washington County. FamilyMeans is a multi-service nonprofit organization founded in 1963. They are funded by grants, donations, and client fees. FamilyMeans is headquartered in Stillwater, Minnesota, with branch offices located throughout the Twin Cities metro area, southeastern Minnesota, and western Wisconsin. -
Living at Home Network
Living at Home Network – Connecting Organizations. Strengthening Communities. Supporting Aging at Home. -
Metropolitan Caregiver Services Collaborative.
Metropolitan Caregiver Services Collaborative. -
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Minnesota Live Well at Home
Minnesota Live Well at Home helps older Minnesotans thrive by providing the programs and resources that keep people living in their own homes longer. -
Open Circle Adult Day Services
Open Circle Adult Day Services is ideal for adults of all ages who could benefit from daytime social interaction, health and personal care and/or cognitive support. Several locations in the Twin Cities area. Visit their website for more information. -
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Senior Helpers
Senior Helpers is owned by a Speech Pathologist. Senior Helpers provides non-medical home care to adults who would benefit from 1:1 support for companion care services (companionship, outings, laundry, light housekeeping, transportation, errands, meal prep) and/or personal care services (bathing, grooming, toileting), individualized to needs. Services can be provided for as little as 4 hours once a week, up to 24/7, to foster improved quality of life and increased independence. -
Wilder Caregiver Support Services
Wilder Caregiver Support Services (East Metro)
National Aphasia Organizations
American Stroke Association
Aphasia Access
Caring.com
Health In Aging
Health In Aging Caregiver Self Assessment
National Aphasia Association
National Aphasia Association Caregivers Guide
Rescue
Stroke Survivor
Voice of Hope for Aphasia
Well Spouse Association
FAQs
Are there support groups for caregivers of someone with aphasia?
Caring for someone with aphasia can feel like a lot. Join MnCAN’s Care Partner Support Group, learn, share, and connect with others in a supportive space.
Where can care partners of someone with PPA get support?
The specific challenges of Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) often necessitate a different approach to support. The MnCAN PPA Care Partner support group will provide opportunities for education about aphasia, as well as emotional support and peer sharing.
Are there programs that include both people with aphasia and their families?
MnCAN offers social activities and an annual fundraiser for people with aphasia and their care partners.
How can I help my loved one with aphasia stay socially connected?
A care partner can help by encouraging conversation, joining social activities together, and helping friends and family learn how to communicate in supportive ways. Staying connected can reduce isolation and help a person with aphasia feel included and understood.
Are there professionals involved in aphasia support groups?
Yes, our support groups and clubs have a healthcare professional facilitating the sessions.
What resources exist for families navigating aphasia?
Check out MnCan’s aphasia resources.