Information for Care Partners

At MnCAN, we prefer the term care partner rather than the more traditionally used term caregiver.

A care partner is a friend, family, neighbor or other community members that 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

Care Partner Resources

National Organizations

  • Aphasia Access. Communication is key to person-centered health care and meaningful life. Aphasia Access empowers healthcare professionals, interdisciplinary teams, speech-language pathologists, and community advocates. Visit their webpage for more information: www.aphasiaaccess.org
  • Stroke survivor dedicated to helping people with disabilities live full lives!” Lots of tips, with a sense of humor; articles, books, and helpful products. Visit the website for more information: www.strokesurvivor.com
  • Voice of Hope for Aphasia. Aphasia Simulations. Experience what it might be like to have aphasia! The Aphasia Simulations developed by former Voices of Hope for Aphasia Executive Director, Dr. Jackie Hinckley, and Keen Research, are intended to provide a different perspective on the issues encountered by a person with a language disorder. With this perspective comes, perhaps, greater understanding and empathy. Visit their webpage for more information: https://www.vohaphasia.org/simulation/

Minnesota-based organizations offering assistance and respite care

Books and Podcasts

Books about aphasia:

  • Stronger After Stroke by Peter Levine
  • Stroke Diary: The Secret of Aphasia Recovery by Thomas Broussard, Jr, Ph.D.
  • Hope After Stroke for Caregivers and Survivor by Tsgoyna Tanzman, MA, CCC-SLP
  • The ABC’s of Aphasia: A Stroke Primer by Thomas Broussard, Jr, Ph.D.
  • Identity Theft: Rediscovering Uurselves After Stroke by Debra E. Meyerson, PhD
  • Aphasia Handbook: a guide for stroke and brain injury survivors and their families by Joan Peters, and Martha Taylor Sarno

Podcasts about aphasia:

Talking to children about aphasia:

Page Updated February 2025