2020 Volume 40 Issue 4 Pages 432-436
【Purpose】Aphasia peer circles started their activities in the 1980s throughout Japan, but they have been decreasing in number since the early 2000s. The purpose of this study was to identify the reasons for increases or decreases in the number of aphasia peer circles.【Subjects】The subjects were three appointees who have served as directors of the national association of aphasia.【Method】The following questions were asked: (1) the significance of aphasia peer circles, (2) the background to establishing the national organization, (3) reasons for increases in the number of affiliated organizations, (4) reasons for their decrease, (5) reasons why decreases have continued, and (6) what is needed for future aphasia peer circles. Interview contents were converted into text data and weighted text analysis was performed.【Result】The significance of the aphasia peer circle was described to be “making friendships.” Factors increasing the number of aphasia peer circles were “active recruiting of aphasics and their families” and “cooperation of speech therapists (STs) .” Factors decreasing the number of aphasia peer circles were “spread of the Long-Term Care Insurance System,” “aging of active members” and “successor difficulties”. What is needed for future aphasia peer circles was said to be “participation of STs” and “appeals to the government.”【Conclusion】Changes in the number of aphasia peer circles were associated with the presence of people who worked with dedication and the aging of such people, paucity of successors, and spreading impact of the Long-Term Care Insurance System.
