Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION
By: Jenny Ford
Posted: 1:00 AM | Comments: (including replies)
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Allison Baird of SpeechWorks Inc. helps stroke patients by using a computer link and iPad. (KEN GIGLIOTTI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS )
Grace Jonasson's iPad was a game-changer for her stroke treatment. The 50-year-old, who had a stroke three years ago, keeps a daily journal on her iPad and uses apps to improve her speech and memory.
"I've almost gotten my old self back," she said. "It's sped up my recovery."
At first blush it may seem an unusual treatment method, but a new program is putting iPads in the hands of stroke patients in northern Manitoba who may not have access to regular treatment.
Jonasson lives in Wabowden, about 100 kilometres south of Thompson, making it difficult for her to visit a speech pathologist. By using the iPad and meeting via video chat with her speech pathologist in Winnipeg, she said her treatment has rapidly excelled.
"You cannot get change in the brain unless you're working three hours a week on an activity focused on brain change," said Allison Baird, speech pathologist at SpeechWorks Inc. in Winnipeg and creator of the project.
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IPads aid treatment for stroke survivors