What is a support group and how do I find one?
After my husband’s stroke, all I heard was “You need to join a support group.” I agreed but had a very difficult time finding caregiver support versus a group for the stroke survivors. I looked high and low and still had problems finding support. This week’s blog will cover what a support group can provide, how to find one and a list of support groups that I have reviewed.
Would a support group help me?
Like you, I wondered what a support group could provide. My day was already so busy, how would I fit this in. When planning the day, the caregiver has limited “ME” time. As I researched and spoke at a few support groups, I quickly became convinced that this is time well spent. The good news is that the caregiver support group can meet at the same time as the Stroke survivor support group. You each have an hour with your peers.
Benefits:
· The primary benefit for me was to talk to others that “get it”
· Share stories and laughter at the stories of caregiving
· To share, be angry and cry with others that are in your shoes and understand
· New friendships
· Bring a problem and someone in the group has already experience and can give tips
Sharing and listening reduced distress, depression, anxiety or fatigue
Kept me motivated to manage or stick to treatment plans
Improving understanding of a disease and your own experience with it
How to find a support group:
Start at the hospital or Rehab center. The Stroke Coordinator is a great resource and can share what is available for your needs.
Google the following - stroke caregiver support groups near me. There are many choices for stroke survivors but few for the caregivers. Don’t despair.
Make a list of 3-4 that look promising and call the group to find out if that group also has a caregiver support group.
When at rehab or at the MD office, ask others for suggestions and if they belong to a group.
I am excited to share, that Mercy Hospital in St. Louis has asked me to round weekly with the Stroke Coordinator so that I can share with the caregiver.
Caregiver Support Groups that I recommend.
Finding the right group takes some trial and error. You need to determine if the group is a good fit. We all have been there, don’t worry about leaving a group to go to another. We all support each other. There are three types of support groups: in person, Facebook, and virtual. I will provide choices for all 3. If you know a great group and would like to add, please share in the comments. The support groups are also on the website.
In Person Stroke Support Groups (St. Louis Region)
Life After Stroke support group
CONTACT:
Audra Sturmoski PT, MSPT, CBIS
Patient Assessments Standards Coordinator
Stroke Program Coordinator
314 658-3802 | audra.sturmoski@encompasshealth.com
The Rehabilitation Institute of St. Louis
An Affiliation of BJC HealthCare and Encompass Health
Central West End: 4455 Duncan Avenue, St. Louis, MO, 63110
St. Peters: 10 Hospital Drive, St. Peters, MO, 63376
Mercy Hospital South Caregiver Support Group
CONTACT:
Geri Tyrey, CTRS
Therapeutic Recreation
Acute Rehab
10114 Kennerly Road | St. Louis, MO 63128
Office: 314-948-2060 | Mobile: 314-948-2219
Miracles in Progress Stroke Support Group
CONTACT:
Julie Luesse, MSN, RN, SCRN
Stroke Program Manager
Stroke Center
Mercy
615 S. New Ballas Road | St. Louis, MO. 63141
Office: 314.251.7262 | Zebra: 314.251.9292 l Pager: 314.509.1238
Virtual Stroke Support Groups
As an advocate for Caregivers, a new virtual group will start in July. Please click on the Virtual Support button on the navigation bar.
Caregivers have joined the Facebook site: Stroke and the Spouse Caregivers. This site is private and dedicated to all caregivers, NOT JUST SPOUSES.
(20+) Stroke and the Spouse Caregiver | Facebook
Caregivers follow the website to learn more about support groups and new groups that I learn about.
For more information on what worked for us, check out “Stroke and the Spouse” available on Amazon or follow the code below to purchase.
Stroke Caregiver Connection…Because you care!
For more information on what worked for us, check out “Stroke and the Spouse” available on Amazon or follow the code below to purchase.
Stroke Caregiver Connection…Because you care!
Order “Stroke and the Spouse” to learn more.