Contact: Paul Meznarich
715-838-5805
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – Luther Midelfort is sponsoring its seventh annual Aphasia Camp for people with an impaired ability to use or comprehend words, usually as a result of a stroke or brain injury. Aphasia Camp 2010 will be Friday through Sunday, Sept. 10 to 12, at YMCA Camp Manitou in New Auburn.
Registration deadline for Luther Midelfort's Aphasia Camp is Aug. 20.
Individuals with communication disorders tend to withdraw from social settings as well as refrain from activities that might expose them to such settings.
Aphasia Camp offers people with aphasia and their family, spouses or caregivers a chance to increase social interaction and practice communication skills in a supportive setting. It is one of a few camps nationwide that caters to people with aphasia.
“We didn’t set out to create something unique,” said Mary Beth Clark, a speech pathologist at Luther Midelfort who was one of the camp’s original organizers. “We just saw a real need among our patients and their families for a social, yet therapeutic, outlet such as this, so a bunch of us got together and said, ‘Let’s do this.’ ”
The camp runs largely on clinicians, instructors and community members volunteering their time, as well as local businesses donating goods and services. Campers can choose to participate in activities, such as fishing, boating, golfing, biking, computer technology, arts and crafts, cooking and games.
Medical support and counseling is provided by Luther Midelfort speech pathologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, massage therapists, chaplains and registered nurses.
Tuition includes materials, activities, meals and accommodations for two nights and three days. The weekend cost is $150 per person with aphasia and $100 per caregiver/family member. The one-day cost is $75 per person. Cabins accommodate six to eight people. Bathrooms are centrally located, and trained staff members provide help at any time.
For more information or to register, contact Clark at 715-838-1725 or clark.marybeth1@mayo.edu. Registration is due Friday, Aug. 20.
Luther Midelfort, Chippewa Valley Aphasia Groups and the Eau Claire YMCA sponsor the camp.
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In partnership with Mayo Clinic, Luther Midelfort offers a full range of quality medical services, including cardiac and orthopedic surgery, cancer and trauma care programs. Through a network of community-based healthcare providers in west-central Wisconsin, Luther Midelfort provides access to experts close to home.
