LIFE Beyond Aphasia4 Jul 2025

#152 Caring for the Caregiver with Kristin Schaefer-Mendez

In this episode of the Listen for LIFE Aphasia podcast, we dive into the world of caregiving for individuals with communication with Dr. Kristin Schaffer Mendez. Dr. Kristin Schaffer Mendez, PhD, CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist and an assistant professor at the University of St. Augustine in Austin, TX. Her primary areas of focus are in adult neurogenic communication disorders and counseling. Kristin researches holistic treatment approaches and lived experiences of people with aphasia/PPA and their care partners. She shares her expertise and insights on providing support for patients, families, and caregivers.

To uncomplicate aphasia and enhance the well-being of both patients and caregivers, Kristin encourages establishing a strong therapeutic relationship with patients and their families. By doing so, treatment outcomes can be improved, and overall well-being can be enhanced.

Remember, taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your loved ones. If you want to learn more about LIFE Speech Pathology and their resources, be sure to check out their website and social media channels.

Take action today and prioritize your well-being as a caregiver. You're doing an incredible job, and we're here to support you every step of the way.

If you want more information regarding Kristin's research, or if you have any questions for her, please email her at kmendez@usa.edu!

The Listen for LIFE Aphasia Podcast is a platform dedicated to supporting individuals through stories and experiences. Visit ListenForLIFEAphasiaPodcast.com to view video episodes. If you have a topic or guest recommendation, or if YOU want to be a guest, visit the Guest Hub. If you have any unanswered questions, you can ask Genevieve and Aphasia Wisdom through “Search for Answers.”

If you or a loved one is seeking telepractice support, LIFE Speech Pathology® can help! Explore our services and approach at DoLIFESpeechPathology.com.

Stay connected with us on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram for updates and encouragement.

Together, let's uncomplicate aphasia.

Denne episoden er hentet fra en åpen RSS-feed og er ikke publisert av Podme. Den kan derfor inneholde annonser.

Episoder(208)

Her Good Intentions May Be Blocking His Aphasia Communication | #206

She loves him. She asks questions, checks in, fills the silence. But the way she's talking to him may be working against his brain, not with it, and that is not her fault. Rehab focused on him. But n...

16 Jul 28min

Aphasia Caregivers Are Losing Themselves and Nobody Is Asking | #205

When the stroke happened, rehab had a plan for him. Nobody had a plan for her. She walked out of the hospital with a packet of papers, a med list, and a stack of homework assignments — and everyone as...

9 Jul 28min

Going Back to Mom Mode May Be Costing Him His Aphasia Independence | #204

You raised him. You launched him. Then a stroke happened and you became his mom again. The role shift nobody warns you about is one of the most costly things for his aphasia independence. Take the Car...

2 Jul 16min

What 18 Years of Stroke Recovery Teaches About Aphasia Mindset | #203

Ralph Preston came home from the hospital in a wheelchair. He did 10 hours of therapy a day for 15 months, and the mindset behind it is teachable. Work with us: https://findaphasiasupport.com Ralph is...

25 Jun 25min

Communication Skills No One Teaches Care Partners | AGE of Central Texas Training l #202

Nobody taught you how to talk to your person after everything changed. And nobody taught you how to speak up for yourself either. This episode covers both. Genevieve Richardson, MS CCC-SLP, walks care...

18 Jun 44min

Recovery Doesn't End, She Proves It Every Day , She is DETERMINED l #201

She was DETERMINED to not let Broca's aphasia slow her down. Recovery after a stroke and aphasia never stops. Get your starting point: https://findaphasiasupport.com If you think you're done — yo...

11 Jun 19min

Aphasia Awareness May Not Be Enough. Here's How to Start Rebuilding | #200

You used to talk to anyone. The cashier. The neighbor. The guy at Home Depot. Now you sit in the car with your aphasia and let your wife go instead. Want to get back to being "the guy?" Take your firs...

4 Jun 10min

Aphasia Caregiving Doesn't Have to Destroy You l #199

In this episode, we discuss the challenges of medical appointments when a loved one has aphasia and faces barriers to communication. Despite advocating for patient rights, the doctor often bypasses t...

28 Mai 7min