The Words Left Unsaid: Bridging the Aphasia & Caregiving Gap

"Why Can’t You Just Say Thank You?"

My friend Anne recently had surgery. As she spoke with the nurse beforehand, she asked, “Do you know what aphasia is?”

The nurse, almost offended, responded, “Of course I do—I’m a medical professional.”

But here’s the thing. Knowing the textbook definition of aphasia isn’t the same as understanding how it actually affects someone’s life.

Anne wasn’t questioning the nurse’s knowledge—she was desperately trying to prepare her. She knew that when she woke up, the anesthesia and pain meds would worsen her aphasia. Her ability to find words, to respond, to advocate for herself would be impacted.

She needed them to know that if she couldn’t communicate well after surgery, it wasn’t because she was confused or having a medical emergency. It was just her reality with aphasia.

This moment stuck with me. Because just like Anne struggled to get her message across in that hospital room, so many care partners and stroke survivors struggle to say what they really mean—every single day.

What is Aphasia?

Aphasia is a language disorder that makes speaking, understanding, reading, or writing hard. It happens when the brain’s language centers are damaged, usually from a stroke or brain injury. Aphasia doesn’t affect intelligence—it just makes communication more difficult.

Aphasia changes communication between partners, spouses, and loved ones. When words don’t come easily, many things go unspoken. When this happens, frustration builds, relationships suffer, and a gap forms between the person with aphasia and the person caring for them.

This week's episode of Listen for LIFE is about bridging that gap.

 Listen Now or continue reading for more!

What’s Not Being Said (But Needs to Be)

Some of the most important words between partners are the ones that never get spoken.

For care partners, it might be:

• "I don’t have a support system—I’m doing this all alone."
• "I wish you would just say thank you."
• "I miss who we used to be before aphasia."
• "Is this the rest of my life?"

For stroke survivors, it might be:

• "Give me more time."
• "Say it a different way."
• "Write it down so I can process it."
• "Just because I can’t say something doesn’t mean I don’t understand."

The Hardest Part of Aphasia

The hard part? These words don’t always come out at the right time—or at all.

Care partners feel overwhelmed, unappreciated, and emotionally drained.
Stroke survivors feel misunderstood, isolated, and frustrated.

Both sides are struggling. But instead of coming together, the frustration often pushes them further apart.

That’s why this episode is about saying what needs to be said—and creating space to hear each other.

If you’ve ever held something inside, unsure of how to say it, this conversation is for you.

Aphasia Changes Communication—Here’s How to Rebuild It

One of the hardest truths about aphasia is that it doesn’t just change the person who has it—it changes their relationships, too.

When communication becomes difficult, it’s easy to default to silence, frustration, or assumptions. But if both care partners and stroke survivors can take one simple step—saying what’s on their heart—it can start to heal the disconnect.

Step 1: Say One Thing—Then Wait

The challenge in this episode is simple:

Tell your partner ONE THING about how you feel. Then wait.

Timing is key. Pick a moment when:

•  The house is quiet and calm.
• You’re not distracted by to-dos.
• You’re both awake, but not overwhelmed.

Maybe it’s after dinner.
Maybe it’s as you’re transitioning to bed.
Maybe it’s during a quiet moment on the couch.

• "I feel unseen."
• "I need more time to respond."
• "I miss how we used to talk."

Start there. Just one sentence. Then give the other person space to process it.

Step 2: Learn How to Support Each Other Better

The reality is, aphasia doesn’t come with an instruction manual. But there are resources that can help.

 For Care Partners: Feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and stretched too thin? Take the first step toward balance with 5 Days to a More Balanced Caregiving Life.

For Stroke Survivors: Ever been told that progress stops after a year? That’s a myth. Your brain is still capable of change. Learn more in 3 Key Reasons Aphasia Recovery Never Stops.

For Ongoing Support & Community: LIFE Aphasia Academy® offers expert-led guidance, courses, and real-life solutions. Explore resources here.

Final Thoughts: Connection Starts With One Word

 "We may not always have the right words. But that doesn’t mean we stop trying to understand each other."

Aphasia has changed how you communicate, but it doesn’t have to take away your connection.

So take the challenge. Say one thing. Then listen.

This is the first step to closing the gap—and rebuilding something even stronger.

Listen to the full episode here.

 Next Steps: What Do You Need?

✅ For Care Partners → Find balance: 5 Days to a More Balanced Caregiving Life
✅ For Stroke Survivors → Recovery never stops: 3 Key Reasons Aphasia Recovery Never Stops
✅ For Expert Support → LIFE Speech Pathology®

Your Turn: What’s one thing you’ve wanted to say but haven’t?

Drop a comment below or share your thoughts in the Listen for LIFE community.