The needs of spouses caring for severely aphasic persons

This qualitative research aimed to identify and describe the needs perceive d by spouses of persons with severe aphasia. The analyses revealed differen t categories of needs: (1) information, (2) need to acquire an effective mo de of communication with the aphasic partner, (3) better interpersonal rela tionships, (4) need to be considered as a partner in the caring process, (5 ) support, (6) respite. These needs were not static but in interaction with one another. Moreover, they varied within a temporal axis and appeared at different time periods: within the acute hospitalisation phase, rehabilitat ion phase, and after the aphasic person returned home. Taking into consider ation the needs of spouses of persons with severe aphasia requires an eco-s ystemic and interdisciplinary approach aiming for the social reintegration of the person with aphasia. Services should be developed in order to respon d to the unique and individual experiences and needs of people affected by aphasia. Speech-language pathologists play a pivotal role within this appro ach because communication problems are central to the consequences of sever e aphasia.