For Tania, a 56 year old woman, life shifted in an instant back in October 2020. A brain haemorrhage and stroke left her facing global aphasia – meaning she struggled both to speak and to understand what others were saying – alongside physical challenges with her right side.

In the beginning, the road back felt nearly impossible. Without the right supports in place, those first two years were incredibly difficult. Tania, who was always a “stubborn” and independent force in her local footy and cricket community, found herself in a dark place.

The turning point came about two years ago when a consistent, multidisciplinary approach to her care was established – with people she actually enjoyed being around – and Tania was able to find her motivation again. The personal connections changed everything and allowed Tania to put in the hard work for her own recovery.

Alongside her professional support, Tania’s beloved family remains her primary motivation. Her husband Dean, their three adult children, daughters-in-law and her one-year-old grandchild provide the “why” behind her hard work. As Tania expresses it: “Tania loves (her) family.”

In terms of her aphasia, Tania has made incredible strides. She is progressing from only using learned scripts to beginning to generate her own sentences, such as basic statements about her care routines or independently requesting lunch while in the community. She is also currently working within her speech therapy sessions to learn baby songs, allowing her to engage with her grandchild through music.

The family support has been a huge contributing factor to Tania’s progress. Her husband, Dean – or “Deano,” as she’s recently started calling him – uses a mix of humour and a “no-fuss” approach to support  her moving forward. While it was helpful for everyone to do everything for her at first, Dean now encourages her to make her own breakfast and insists the kids do the same. He instinctively knows that’s the only way she’ll reclaim her independence.

Today, Tania is filled with a palpable energy. She’s drawn to the music often pumping from Dean’s mancave – whether it’s the Bee Gees, Neil Diamond, or her daughter’s latest playlist. Whatever it is, it now brings her so much joy, dancing and singing, which is a part of her that her family hadn’t seen before.

Tania is also back out in the community she’s lived in for years. Though she still gets tired after an hour or two, her support worker helps her stay connected to the people who know and love her. And, once a reluctant camper, Tania is now the first one ready to jump in the car for the annual Christmas camping trip. From Dean’s perspective, Tania is “200% better” than two years ago, in terms of her quality of life and positivity.

“Your whole life can change in a matter of seconds, so do what you want to do.” – Dean

Tania’s journey hasn’t been easy, but her progress is undeniable to everyone who knows her. While she still deals with short-term memory hurdles, she constantly surprises Dean with the details she can remember, like car registrations from years ago.

The plan for the future is simple: take each day as it comes. There are dreams of moving to the country or travelling in the caravan, but for now, the focus is on the wins they’ve already achieved. Tania’s message to anyone else facing a mountain like hers is straightforward: “Don’t give up.”

By sharing her story, Tania and her family hope to highlight the importance of a collaborative, person-centered approach to rehabilitation.

Tania’s journey is a testament to her resilience and determination. The outcomes and progress described here are not necessarily indicative of what others can expect. It’s important to remember that each individual’s experience with recovery, extent and nature of injuries and access to rehabilitation is unique.

Please consult with your healthcare professionals for personalised advice and support tailored to your specific circumstances.