“I’ve Got No Skills to Maintain – to Keep That Going” : A Qualitative Study of People with Chronic Aphasia and Their Partners About Factors Contributing to the Maintenance of Aphasia Therapy Gains

Background The maintenance of therapy gains is critical for successful aphasia rehabilitation, a topic often overlooked in both research and clinical practice. For some people with chronic aphasia, maintaining therapeutic gains can be challenging, potentially resulting in diminished communicative function over time. Furthermore, maintaining therapy gains may necessitate consistent, deliberate effort; however, little is known about the factors supporting this process. People living with chronic aphasia and their family members may provide critical insights into the behavioural factors that impact the maintenance of therapy gains. Understanding these factors will be crucial for developing long-lasting, effective aphasia interventions.