Volunteer scheme for dysphasia and allied problems in stroke patients.

Abstract

With nearly 100 000 heavily handicapped hemiplegics in Great Britain' stroke is a major medical problem. Though most stroke patients benefit from their period of rehabilitation there inevitably comes a time when, with many problems remaining, they are discharged home to their families. The despair felt by the patient and his relatives may be overwhelming, and in most cases little support is available. The problem is particularly acute when speech is affected since there is a national shortage in some areas a total absence-of speech therapists. One source of help which has not been fully explored is the use of volunteer helpers working within a responsible organization and co- operating with doctors, speech therapists, and other professional workers. Such a project has been sponsored by the Chest and Heart Association and financed by the Clarkson Foundation. This report describes the pilot scheme and records some observations made after 16 months' work in two areas, the Chilterns and Oxford city.