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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

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

6. 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

7. 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

9. 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

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

11. Register Your Stroke Group
Register online at the

12. 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

14. 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
American Stroke Association. (2013). Successful stroke support groups. Retrieved
Kettner, P. M., Moroney, R. M., & Martin, L. L. (2013). Designing and managing programs: An effectiveness-based approach (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.