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Stroke: A new resource helps caregivers FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Depression, lack of motivation common
for caregivers, as well as survivors; Toronto, ON, June 1, 2007 – This year, more than half of the 40,000 to 50,000 Canadians who have had a stroke will return home and require some form of help to perform basic functions. For many caregivers, coping with the realities of stroke-related disability can be challenging. A Caregiver's
Guide to Stroke Recovery ( “Stroke affects not only the life of the stroke survivor, but is also likely to change the lives of an entire family,” says Kimberley Dowds, associate director of National Programs for March of Dimes Canada, which operates Stroke Recovery Canada. “A Caregiver’s Guide to Stroke Recovery is a much needed new resource that provides practical information to help caregivers learn to cope with the challenges of caring for a stroke survivor at all stages of recovery.” The guide provides valuable information on coping with depression, motivation, intimacy and treatment options. It also includes a special medical feature on spasticity, a challenging condition experienced by more than sixty-five per cent of stroke survivors. Spasticity is the medical term for when muscles involuntarily “seize up”, contracting and becoming tense when they shouldn’t. It’s as if the patient is flexing the affected muscles but without meaning to, and without being able to stop. The result is stiffness, rigidity and muscle pain that makes it difficult for survivors to perform activities of daily living. “Reducing spasticity can have a huge impact on the lives of patients and caregivers. If a patient can dress and bathe him or herself, it alleviates some of the responsibilities of the caregiver, leaving them with more time to care for themselves and gives some independence to the stroke survivor,” explains Dr. Farooq Ismail, physiatrist Neurorehabilitation Services at WestPark Healthcare Centre, Toronto. “Several effective treatment approaches exist, including physical therapy, oral medications and botulium toxin type A, approved in Canada as BOTOX, to help reduce spasticity, and promote more functional independence.” Don Bonnell, who has being caring for his wife Pat, knows how important caregiver education is, “My wife had a stroke 12 years ago. When she first came home I had no idea how I could provide what she needed. Education for the caregiver is integral to achieving optimal recovery.” “The guide addresses an important need outlined in the 2006 Canadian Best Practice Recommendations for Stroke Care, for improved education for stroke patients and their caregivers at all stages of recovery,” says Dowds. “In fact, caregivers who understand the needs of the patient will positively enhance recovery and coping.” Overview of A Caregiver’s Guide
to Stroke Recovery
Stroke Recovery Canada™
Stroke Recovery Canada™, a program of March of Dimes Canada, is a national service offering post-recovery support, education and programs for stroke survivors, their families and health care providers. Through its work with community groups across the country, Stroke Recovery Canada™ provides Canadians with the resources needed to help Canadians survive and thrive after stroke. For information or to join Stroke Recovery Canada call 1-888-540-6666 or visit www.strokerecoverycanada.com March of Dimes Canada™ - 30 - VNR co-ordinates: Live Satellite Co-ordinates: Physicians and stroke survivors are available for interview in Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto Calgary and Vancouver.
Ruth Kapelus, March of Dimes Canada, 416-425-3463
ext. 7254; Kate Hanna (416) 848-1404, NATIONAL Public
Relations, |
PDF 684 KB), available today from Stroke Recovery Canada,
is designed to help caregivers and families, as well as the
stroke survivor, learn to survive and thrive after stroke
and reclaim as much of their lives and independence as possible.
The guide, available just in time for Stroke Awareness Month
in June, can be found in rehabilitation centres across Canada
and on Stroke Recovery Canada’s web site, www.strokerecoverycanada.com.
