Stroke Support Group

Southwest Regional Rehabilitation Center provides assistance to individuals and family members of those afflicted by a stroke through various resources and programs. Part of these offerings is the regularly schedule Stroke Support Group Meeting which takes place at Southwest Regional Rehabilitation Center and meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 11:30am in the boardroom on the center's main level. Southwest Regional Rehabilitation Center collaborates with Senior Health Partners promoting and assisting with the various Stroke Support Group programs.

Information regarding the Stroke Support Group can be obtained by calling the hospitals Medical Social Work Department at 269-965-3206. Those wishing to attend the meetings are requested to RSVP by the Friday prior to the event.

The following serves as general information regarding Stroke Support Groups:

What are Stroke Support Groups?

Stroke support groups are informal, yet structured groups which provide a forum for people to share their experiences in an atmosphere of understanding and encouragement. The goal of such a group is to meet specific emotional, educational, and social needs of stroke survivors, along with their families and caregivers. This goal is achieved by preserving the dignity of the stroke survivor, by developing a sense of wholeness after the traumatic experience of a stroke, and by identifying opportunities to participate in a variety of community activities.

Topics presented and discussed at a support group meeting can include:

• A warm welcome, with introductions of all participants.
• A brief review of the group's purpose, goals, and plans.
• Information on prevention of recurrent stroke.
• Updates on rehabilitation and research projects.
• Discussion of individual needs and concerns, sometimes in small groups.
• Discussion of emotional issues and family relationships after stroke.
• Discussion of communication problems related to stroke.
• Educational videos, publications, and audio recordings.
• Motivational talks.
• Exercise instruction.
• Nutritional advice.
• Presentations on community resources and services.
• Information on adaptive equipment and new devices for stroke survivors.
• Recreational activities and travel information.
• Publicity about future events and other pertinent programs.
• Opportunities to evaluate the group and suggest new ideas or topics.

Stroke Support Group Leader

The leader of a stroke support group is usually a dedicated professional from a facility, such as a rehabilitation center or hospital, or a highly motivated stroke survivor who has identified the need for support in his or her community. An effective support group leader is enthusiastic, reassuring, empathetic, practical, and well organized.

For a successful stroke support group, the leader should:

• Assess the needs, strengths, and concerns of the group and individual members.
• Recruit new members and respond to inquiries from those interested in joining.
• Stress the importance of confidentiality and respect to all participants.
• Plan programs, with the input of group members.
• Schedule regular meetings at a location, which is comfortable and accessible.
• Initiate discussions, introduce speakers, and distribute material at meetings.
• Provide follow-up communication, such as a newsletter or meeting minutes.
• Stay informed about stroke prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and research.
• Maintain records for the group, including an evaluation system for feedback.

To further assist those who coordinate or would like to organize a stroke support group, National Stroke Association offers a "how-to" manual titled Discovery Circle. This manual describes the importance of support groups, explains how they can be structured, and provides the group leader with several discussion topics for group meetings.

These topics are built on the word "discovery" as an acronym:

D	Discover new directions.
I	Inventory strengths and weaknesses.
S	Support, giving and receiving.
C	Coping skills and strategies.
O	Opportunity for growth after stroke.
V	Victory in building self-esteem.
E	Empowerment to improve skills makes wise choices.
R	Resources that enhance quality of life.
Y	Your spiritual source.

Should you want additional information on how to access a Stroke Support Group outside of the Battle Creek area, Southwest Regional Rehabilitation Center recommends The National Stroke Association www.stroke.org provides a resource directory and additional information on Stroke.

 

Southwest Regional Rehabilitation Center 393 E. Roosevelt Battle Creek, Michigan  49017 269.965.3206