Lean on Me: Developing a Stroke Support Group Sharon Aureli, RN BSN MSN CNL SCRN RNFA CNOR

Health disparities, such as stroke, leave devastating effects on individuals and their ability to return to society in a functioning capacity. One particular study demonstrated that stroke support groups were related to the stroke survivor’s resocialization outcomes. This suggests that stroke support groups can positively impact social functioning and reintegration into the community after a stroke. Abstract NS14:Assessing Effects of Stroke Support Groups on Social Integration in Acute Stroke Patients, Stroke 2015;46:ANS14

Why Start a Stroke Support Group? Living with Stroke is an adjustment Need for Peer Support Discover the Value of a support group Finding a way to help Recommended for Certified Centers

How Are Stroke Support Groups Started? Setting goals Getting Organized Finding Leaders and Facilitators Encouraging members Identifying a meeting place Funds for activities and other Expenses

How to Make a Stroke Group Successful Develop Opportunities for Providing Caring Support Making Careful Word Choices Establishing Group Guidelines Sharpening Your Listening Skills

What Type of Activities/Education to Plan Stay Flexible Provide Structure for Meetings Deciding on Educational Programs Planning Social Activities and Entertainment Challenging Stroke Survivors Encouraging Group Discussion and Peer Support Extending a Helping Hand

Activities/Education Stroke and Prevention Diabetes Lifequest Carelink Driving Rehab Program AHA/ASA Resources Aphasia/Dysphagia Lawyer/Living Wills Poe Travel on Traveling with disability Safety in Home Healthy Treats for the Holidays Benefits of Exercise and Aerobic Conditioning Palliative Care Mediterranean Diet Pharmacy on Medication Safety Book Review “Stroke of Insight” Educational CD from National Stroke Association Coping/Depression Home modifications/Fall Prevention Christmas Party/Bingo Living on Fixed income

Will Stroke Group Continue to Grow? Group Members Come and Go Reaching out to New Members Keeping Members Informed and Involved Finding the Secret Formula for Success

Resources Available National General Rehabilitation Mental Health Caregiver Financial Employment Patient Rights Children

Register Your Stroke Group Register online at the http://www.stroke.org/

Changes in the Near Future Connect from IPad or computer Two way communication Reaches rural residence or those who can not travel Easy to use Requires basic Telehealth solution January 1st everyone but MC will reimburse for physicians visits via Telehealth Video visits on Epic as of November 5th

References Abstract NS14:Assessing Effects of Stroke Support Groups on Social Integration in Acute Stroke Patients, Stroke 2015;46:ANS14 National Stroke Association: Stroke Group Facilitator (2017). Retrieved from http://www.stroke.org/ American Stroke Association. (2013). Successful stroke support groups. Retrieved from http://www.strokeassociation.org/idc/groups/strokepublic/@wcm/@hcm/ @sta/documents/downloadable/ucm_309688.pdf Kettner, P. M., Moroney, R. M., & Martin, L. L. (2013). Designing and managing programs: An effectiveness-based approach (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.