There is hope after a stroke Helderberg Stroke

There is hope after a stroke Helderberg Stroke Support Group

Stroke definition Stroke is a disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts (or ruptures). A stroke is a medical emergency

Stroke Statistics In South Africa about 240 strokes per day, about 10 per hour. Estimated 70 deaths per day due to stroke. Estimated about 50 strokes per month in the Helderberg Up to 80 percent of strokes can be prevented. One of the leading cause of long-term disability in older adults.

Risk factors for stroke MEDICAL CONDITIONS IDENTIFIED AS RISK FACTORS FOR STROKE: Hypertension Diabetes Cholesterol Cardiac Disease Atrial Fibrillation

Risk factors for stroke LIFESTYLE RISKS: Smoking Overweight Lack of exercise Poor Diet Alcohol

Signs and symptoms

About the HSSG Started in 1997 with a group of 5 people Current membership about 300 Groups: Strand (Spescare) Strand (Sencit) Strand (Rusthof) Lwandle (Civic centre) Macassar Sir Lowry’s Pass Grabouw (planned for 2018)

Infrastructure Committee of 11 people Subcommittees within each area group Administrator /Bookkeeper /CRC Assistants Volunteers Therapists experienced in stroke rehab who do sessions for HSSG. Medical and legal advisors Auditors

HSSG as NPO Constitution Registered as NPO. Approved as Public Benefit Organization in terms of Section 18 A(1)(a) and 30 of Income Tax Act. Donations exempt from tax.

Role of HSSG Prevention of stroke Rehabilitation Training of community workers and volunteers

Prevention of stroke Displays in shopping malls and public libraries. Free blood pressure testing. Info given to public about strokes and risk factors. Monthly BP testing at groups

Rehabilitation is a goal orientated and time limited process, aimed at enabling an impaired person reach an optimal level of mental, physical and social functioning, thus providing the person with the tools to improve their lives. The goal of rehabilitation is to enable individuals to return home to their communities with the highest possible level of functional independence and the best quality of life, while at the same time reducing the burden of care on family members and significant others (Western Cape (South Africa). Department of Health, 2007: 68).

Therapy measures include: training, exercises, and compensatory strategies, cognitive and perceptual stimulation, education, support and counselling, modifications to the environment and provision of resources Often is a long-term process Involves the person, family, therapists and community

Rehabilitation Weekly rehabilitation at groups Free transport to groups – local taxi services Referral network with government health services Loaning of wheelchairs and other assistive devices Home visits as needed done by CRC

Member feedback Ek kan meer doen as vantevore. Skeer myself. Help in die bad en vele meer. Ek doen al die dinge wat ek nie voorheen gedoen het. Ek voel n ander mens na hierdie klasse. Ek kan baie vir myself doen. Toe ek by die groep kom aansluit het, was ek baie swak. Ek het baie sterker kom word. Ek is ook meer regop. Baie trots op die groep! Mag ons altyd bereid wees om mekaar in alle situasies te bemoedig. “Aanhou en uithou tot die einde.

Training Volunteers and caregiver training Empowerment training within groups Training at Oasis and Masincedane Following Aspects are covered: General Info on stroke, risk factors, prevention, mobility, cognitive- and perceptual impairments, speech impairments. Transfers /Wheelchair mobility /running groups / home care.

Thank you