dyscover – rediscovering communication

Elaine Mildner

Elaine joined Dyscover in 2017, following a brain haemorrhage. She realised something was happening and was able to telephone her husband and get help quickly..

Following emergency surgery, Elaine spent six weeks at St George’s hospital and the Epsom Stroke Unit before going home to her family in Ashtead.

Elaine has a son and a teenage daughter, who has Asperger’s Syndrome. “Before my stroke, I was a very active person and loved the outdoors,” says Elaine. “The family would go cycling, walking and camping.”

Elaine worked part-time at Epsom and Ewell Council for over 25 years.

Life is more restricted now because Elaine’s haemorrhage resulted in a 50% loss of field vision on the right side and she has also acquired dyslexia – as a result reading and processing numbers are difficult.

Elaine has found Dyscover a great help. Having attended the Learning to Live with Aphasia group for over a year, she said “I feel relaxed there. We help each other and nobody is in a hurry.”

Elaine’s self-confidence and speech has improved hugely. She is also learning new communication techniques and loves finding out about the ways an iPad can help.

She has participated in a research project known as EVA Park which is an online virtual community for people with aphasia. Elaine has also enjoyed the family activities arranged by Dyscover. It is an important part of Dyscover’s work that we provide support and guidance to Member’s families.

“My family have been amazing,” says Elaine. “I couldn’t manage without them. We try to keep things light and when I make a mistake they laugh with me.” Elaine’s long-term goals are to get back to work and to find lots of new adventures.