May is National Stroke Awareness Month

Nearly 5 million people in the United States today have survived a stroke, affecting 4 out of 5 American families.

Caring for a stroke survivor can be stressful. You may be concerned that:

• your loved one will have another stroke
• you or your loved one won't be able to accept the changes caused by the stroke
• the stroke survivor in your life might be placed in a nursing home
• you aren't prepared to face the responsibility of caring for a stroke survivor
• friends and family will abandon you

You are not alone! These concerns are common to many stroke survivors and their caregivers. As a caregiver, you can take steps to make the transition from hospital to home easier on everyone:

• Try to encourage as much independence as possible
• Allow your loved one to make decisions
• Support participation in leisure activities
• Try to take an occasional break from caregiving
• Ask for help from family, friends or community organizations

National Stroke Association is dedicated to helping you learn about stroke and understand what care and support options are available.

National Stroke Association Can:

• send you informational brochures and fact sheets
• help you find helpful products and services for stroke survivors (link coming soon)
• help you find a support group
• send you a free copy of our award-winning StrokeSmart Magazine

Stroke recovery is a lifelong process filled with achievements and setbacks.  Take the good with the challenging and embrace life with your loved ones!

Here is an example of a helpful article provided by the National Stroke Association:

Recovery After Stroke: Managing Life at Home...

http://www.stroke.org/site/DocServer/NSAFactSheet_ManagingLifeatHome.doc?docID=993

Information gathered from the National Stroke Association Website: www.stroke.org