YDAC Library Resources for Caregivers

Below is a list of books currently stocked in the YDAC caregiver lending library at the main office in Stouffville. Caregivers of YDAC clients are welcome to borrow these books, without charge. There is also a selection of videos available for borrowing.

Please contact us ahead of time, if you are interested in borrowing any of these resources or if you wish to view a wider list of the resources we have available for caregivers. Click here for contact information.

Books - A to Z (by author)

1. The American Heart Association. Family Guide to Stroke: Treatment, Recovery, Prevention

   A book that explains the developments in treatment, recovery, and prevention of stroke. Discusses the causes of stroke, people at risk, the warning signs of stroke, and how stroke is diagnosed.

2. The Aphasia Institute. APHASIA: What is Aphasia? and APHASIA: Larger than Life (new for 2008)

   Two different "Aphasia-Friendly" (simplified language with pictures) resource booklets for the aphasic person to help understand their communication difficulties.

3. Bayley, John. Iris and the Friends: A Year of Memories

   The author describes in this book how he coped with the torment of watching his wife become terminally ill, her death, and how he eventually learned to cope with the loss and create a new life for himself.

4. Berger, Paul. How to Conquer Hobbies with One Hand: 50 Tips and Tools to Make Things

   A list put together by the author that makes it possible for one to work on a hobby with the use of one hand, such as arts and crafts, building model airplanes or dollhouses, or even decorations for the home.

5. BergQuist, W., McLean, R., Kobylinski, B. Stroke Survivors

   A book that gives a first-hand description of the terrifying experience of having a stroke and the following challenges of recovery. This book is based on 70 stroke survivors in a 3-year study.

6. The Courage Stroke Network. The One-Handed Way: Living with the use of one hand

   A booklet with suggested methods for stroke survivors to function in their home with one hand.

7. Dow, David. Brain Attack

   A true story about a young stroke survivor, 12-year old David Dow. David uses watercolours to tell his experiences with paralysis and the loss of speech, and the healing process his journey takes him through.

8. Durward, Crowe, Marshall, & Robson. Speaking Without Words

   This book is a narrative of a woman's life after stroke and having aphasia. Gives a detailed description of her friendships and her speech & language therapy.



9. Edelman, Gill & Greenwood, Robert. JUMBLY WORDS, and Rights Where Wrongs Should Be: The Experience of Aphasia from the Inside

   A collection of prose and poetry from aphasic individuals to allow the readers to see their inner world and view the reactions and recovery after aphasia.

10. Engel, June. The Complete Canadian Health Guide

    A book that explains current research and treatment in health, and how to best take care of your own health and look after yourself.

11. Gretzky, Walter. On Family, Hockey, and Healing

    The father of hockey player Wayne Gretzky, the author describes the process of recovering from a stroke with the help of therapists, doctors, and family & friends.

12. The Heart and Stroke Foundation. Let's Talk about Stroke

    An information guide for stroke survivors, their families, and caregivers to understand stroke and the recovery period.

13. Johnson, Fred K. Right Hemisphere Stroke: A Victim Reflects on Rehabilitative Medicine

    A book from the author's point of view of overcoming obstacles after a stroke and undergoing therapy in a first-class rehabilitation institute.

14. Kasell, Pat. The Best of the Stroke Connection: A Collection of Personal Stories by Stroke Survivors and Caregivers

    A collection of articles and poems by stroke survivors and caregivers.

15. Klein, Bonnie Sherr. Slow Dance: A Story of Stroke, Love And Disability

    A book that gives an narrative of the author's fight back, such as relearning to swallow, relearning to talk, relearning to stand, and learning to adapt to life with a disability.

16. Knox, David. Portrait of Aphasia

    A true story about the obstacles and recovery of a stroke victim told through the experience of the stroke victim's husband.

17. McCrum, Robert. My Year Off: Rediscovering Life After A Stroke

    A book to send a message to stroke survivors and family members that says "You are not alone." A personal account by the author retelling his journey after stroke.

18. Mills, Harrianne. A Mind of My Own: Memoir of Recovery from Aphasia

    A true story about a woman's recovery from traumatic brain damage following a motorcycle accident that resulted in a loss of speech. This book uses journal entries, medical records, letters, etc. to tell the story from many perspectives.



19. Newborn, Barbara. Return to Ithaca: A Woman's Triumph Over the Disabilities of a Severe Stroke

    The author gives a description of suffering with a stroke at a very young age. She gives hope and encouragement to others by stressing patience, positive attitude, and perseverance in recovery.

20. No Author. Aphasia: A New Life Handbook: Stouffville

    A binder containing booklets that explore what aphasia is and the effects of aphasia on a person's life.

21. No Author. Living Alone and Liking It: A Guide for Seniors Who Live Alone

    A booklet to help seniors realize some of the advantages of living alone, and also to recognize some of the disadvantages of living alone in order to learn to overcome them.

22. No Author. The One-Handed Way: Living with the Use of One Hand

    A booklet filled with suggestions on functioning in the home with one-hand. This booklet is especially targeted to stroke survivors.

23. No Author. Yoga For You: A Guide to Accompany Yoga At the MS Society of Canada

    A booklet to outline the basics of yoga and clear some of the common misconceptions of yoga.

24. Ontario Senior Citizens. Are You Listening?

    Essays written by Ontario senior citizens on what it means to be a senior. Common overall themes include freedom, grandchildren, the loves and interests in a seniors life, and the greatest sources of strength.

25. Parry, Pound, Byng. The Aphasia Handbook

    A resource and information book for people with aphasia that offers advice and information on a wide variety of topics.

26. Pasloski, Michael J. Second Chance: A Journal of Personal Recovery

    A resource that offers a positive recollection and discussion on the author's journey after suffering with an Acquired Brain Injury. This book gives useful topics for discussion among family, health professionals, support groups, and for people who have acquired a disability.

27. Pearl, Liz. Brain Attack: The Journey Back

    A collection of creative writing pieces about stroke recovery that focuses on hope, courage, and determination.

28. Quann, Eileen Streets. By His Side: Life and Love After Stroke

    A personal description of the determination, patience, and love after the author's husband had a stroke. This book explores the difficult decisions that must be made after a stroke and the wide range of emotions experienced by the spouse-caregiver.

29. Reeve, Christopher. Still Me

    The author describes the physical, emotional, and spiritual journey he has made after an accident that left him paralysed. The author also explores his complex relationships with his parents, his wife, and his children while battling to rebuild his life.

30. Tavalaro, Julia, Tayson, Richard. Look Up For Yes

    Julia Tavalaro describes her years being a prisoner in her own body after suffering with a stroke that left her paralysed and unable to speak. With the help of a Speech-Pathologist, Julia's isolation was broken through by using her eyes as a form of communication.

31. Wulf, Helen Harlan. Aphasia, My World Alone

    A description by the author on her struggle with the isolation and helplessness she felt having aphasia, and describes her feelings and progress years after she was afflicted.

32. York Central Hospital & Maple Health Centre Communication Programs. Aphasia…Let's Talk!

    A booklet of quotes from the clients of the York Central Hospital and the Maple Health Centre (YDAC) programs explaining their thoughts and feelings about living with aphasia.

33. York-Durham Aphasia Centre. Aphasia - A New Life: A Handbook for helping communities

    A handbook to describe YDAC's philosophy and programs for adults with aphasia. This handbook provides information for adults with aphasia, their caregivers, and health planners & funders.

Journals/Newsletters & Magazines -articles of interest to stroke survivors, caregivers and supporters

1. The Phoenix newsletter - published several times a year, through the Stroke Recovery Canada program of the March of Dimes, Canada. For more information, refer to Other Resources on this website - top website links -stroke recovery - Stroke Recovery Canada.
2. Stroke Connection Magazine - published bi-monthly by the American Stroke Association (a division of American Heart Association) For more information, refer to Other Resources on this website -top website links - stroke recover - American Stroke Association
3. YDAC TableTalk newsletter- issued several times yearly by YDAC. Shares information and news about aphasia, YDAC programs and events. Click here to view or print the current issue of the Table Talk newsletter.