Hello @sclatt and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I want to start by expressing my care and concern for your wife and all she's been through, but also to you as her loving caregiver.

You will notice that I have moved your post into an existing discussion on life after stroke, which you can find here:
- What to do?? Life after a stroke: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/what-to-do-1/

I would like to bring in members @nicky7 @leslon who may have some perspective to share with you.

I would also like to share that there is a group in the community dedicated especially to caregivers that I thought you might benefit from.
- Caregivers Group: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/caregivers/

At this time, are you getting any guidance from her care team on the PT recommendations or are you finding yourself on your own?

Hi @sclatt, Speech therapy is such a great help for stroke recovery. Check out this discussion with about aphasia with other members:
- Let's "Talk" About Aphasia https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/june-is-national-aphasia-month/

It is really hard to be the sole caregiver. I can understand your wife's fear of your leaving even though deep down, she's know you're there for the long haul. She probably worries about being a burden and at the same time wants you around all the time. That's a tough one and makes it really hard on you.

I learned this tip from another caregiver once. Her mom never wanted to be alone. If she had to run an errand or just wanted to go out in the garden for a brief moment alone, she would leave a specific stuffed animal on a chair that her mom would see up waking. If the stuffie was there, the mother knew her daughter would be back and not grow anxious coming out of her nap.

This may not mirror the situation with your wife exactly, but I share the story in the hopes that it might give you some ideas.

Have you been able to find a speech therapist or physical therapist near you?