National Stroke Association Resource Directory HOUSING & HOME MODIFICATIONS Managing life at home is an important part of stroke recovery.  Whether “home” is a house, apartment, assisted living facility or retirement home, independence in everyday activities is essential. Most living spaces can often times be modified so that narrow doorways, stairs and bathtubs do not interfere with the stroke survivor's ability to care for personal needs. Click here for housing option and home modification resources. Click here for a fact sheet on Managing Life at Home. LEGAL & FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE After a stroke it is extremely important to make sure the correct legal documents are in place. An attorney should be consulted as soon as possible to determine what documents are needed to make health care decisions for the stroke survivor, and to start discussions on financial planning.  An elderlaw attorney or an attorney familiar with disability law can assist families with a variety of health and financial issues: Managing the stroke survivor’s medical and personal care Managing the stroke survivor’s financial dealings  Arranging payment for health care (Medicare, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income) Preserving family assets There are many organizations that provide detailed information and referrals for legal and financial planning assistance.  In addition, there are also programs which provide services that help with the cost of services and products (i.e. product rebates, sliding scale services, etc.) Click here for legal and financial assistance resources. MEDICAL BENEFITS AND INSURANCE Stroke recovery can require a lot of time and medical attention.  Ideally, some of that medical and rehab care is covered by health insurance. Dealing with health insurance companies, however, can be a challenge. It is important to know what portion of the bill the health insurance will pay and what will have to be paid “out-of-pocket.” Taking the time to understand the specific benefits of a health care plan and what assistance programs are available will help to better manage the recovery from stroke. Click here for medical and insurance issues, prescription drug programs and other assistance program resources.  Click here for a fact sheet on Health Insurance. MEDICAL EQUIPMENT / ASSISTIVE DEVICES Stroke survivors often find that completing simple tasks around the house which they took for granted before the stroke are now extremely difficult or impossible. Many adaptive devices and techniques have been designed especially for stroke survivors to help them retain their independence and function safely and easily (i.e. grab bars, a raised toilet seat, a tub bench, a hand-held shower head, no-slip pads, a long-handled brush, a washing mitt with pockets for soap, an electric toothbrush or razor).   Stroke survivors may also need to manage medical issues which require equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, ramps, products to manage problems with bowel and bladder, etc. To find resources on medical equipment and assistive devices click here. Click here for a fact sheet on Health Insurance. ORGANIZATIONS Numerous state and national organizations, agencies and programs exist that provide education, publications, resources, advocacy and support services, events, benefits programs and referrals and can also help find resources at the local level. These organizations can be age, disease, issue or caregiver specific, and are often non-profit or government-based in nature. Click here for state and national organizations. Click here to find rehabilitation professionals. RESPITE CARE Family caregivers who provide support and care for their loved one (stroke survivor), may need time off from their regular care responsibilities (i.e. helping the survivor with bathing, dressing, grooming, household chores, etc.) in order to rest. There are different settings and levels of care that can provide respite care for family caregivers. Click here for respite program resources. Click here for information on the Lotsa Helping Hands program. Home Health Care Care provided to the stroke survivor in the home by a health care agency or program. The type of assistance provided can include personal assistance (i.e.  bathing, dressing, eating, etc.); medical services; homemaker services (i.e. meal preparation, cleaning, laundry, etc.) and rehabilitation therapy (i.e. physical (PT), occupational (OT), and/or speech (ST) therapy. Adult Day Services Community-based programs that provide individuals with physical and/or cognitive injuries with supportive services based on a personal plan of care. Adult day programs fall into two models of care: the social model and the medical model.  Both models provide a variety of social and other supportive services in a structured setting during the day -- not overnight. Adult day services that follow the medical model can provide medication management and help arrange for rehabilitation services such as physical, occupational or speech therapy. Programs generally run during normal business hours five days per week. Some programs may offer services evenings or on weekends.  Assisted Living Facilities Housing for persons needing assistance with personal care, medication management, meals and social activity. Fees vary depending on the level of assistance needed. Individuals needing more extensive medical care usually do not qualify for admission. Facilities may have restrictions on the amount of time a person can stay for respite care. Nursing Homes (i.e. skilled nursing facilities SNF) A facility that provides around-the-clock nursing and medical care that is less intense than hospital care. Individuals needing more extensive medical care who do not qualify for respite care in assisted living may need this level of care. Click here for respite program resources. SOCIAL ACTIVITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES At any age, socializing with family and friends is an important part of stroke recovery.  This can make an individual feel connected and supported at a time when social support is needed more than ever before. Try a simpler version of past activities or consider trying something totally new. Activities can range from stroke camps, dating services, day programs and much more. Click here for resources on social activities and opportunities. Click here for a fact sheet on Social Support. Click here for more information on kids and stroke. Click here for information on CarePages program. SUPPORT GROUPS Support groups are a way for stroke survivors and caregivers to meet with others who understand and have gone through similar experiences. Groups can provide support, help participants problem solve, learn about stroke and recovery issues, find local resources, or just have fun.  Groups can meet monthly, bi-monthly, or weekly and at different times of the day.  Sometimes an individual may need to visit several groups in order to find one that is right for him or her.  Additional ways to find a local stroke group: check the local paper, contact a local stroke program in the area (i.e. hospitals and rehabilitation programs), or talk with other stroke survivors or caregivers. Click here to find a group in your area. TRAVEL / TRANSPORTATION Getting out of the house allows stroke survivors a chance to regain a sense of freedom, control and independence. Going to the places they want to go, doing the things they enjoy, and spending time with other people will help the recovery process. After getting used to leaving the house, travel may be the next step.  Whether an overnight trip or a long vacation, a change of scenery can be a needed boost for everyone. Again, advance planning will go a long way in making the trip smooth and enjoyable.  Click here for travel and transportation resources. Click here for a fact sheet on Ability to Go Places. Do you have resources to share? National Stroke Association wants to hear from you! National Stroke Association will continue to build this resource directory and would like your input. If you work for or know of a state or national stroke related organization/agency/  program that should be in this directory, please download this form and submit it for review. The process is simple.   Click here to download a Resource Form.  Either mail or fax back the form to: National Stroke Association Attn: Dir. Rehab / Recovery Programs 9707 East Easter Lane, Suite B Centennial, CO  80112-3747 Fax: (303) 649-1328 If you would like to make a donation to help us expand this resource directory, click here. Back to the top