Being a close relative of a person with aphasia

The aim was to investigate close relatives' experiences of the influences of aphasia on their own life situation, as well as their perceptions of everyday activity for the person with aphasia and support for the family in daily life. Fourteen close relatives of people with aphasia were interviewed on one occasion each. The interview text was analysed using qualitative content analysis, and sorted into three themes: "The influence of aphasia in the family", "Everyday life", and "The meaning of support". The aspect most apparent from the interviews was the great changes in the interviewees' lives after their relatives had been stricken with aphasia, particularly the loss of friends. There were also communication problems in the beginning. While many said that their aphasic relative always used to be active, only a few described the resumption of previous activities. Having an aphasic family member in need of support created a sense of emotional loneliness, and of being the one who does the majority of the practical chores. The results accentuate the importance of close relatives, and their essential function for support and motivation. The close relatives must be given support from rehabilitation and community staff, to make it easier for them to communicate with and cope with the aphasic person in everyday activities.