Community Resources for People Who Had Strokes
The effects of a stroke can be devastating to an individual. A stroke brings paralysis or weakens one side of the body; it can affect both the arm and leg or in some cases the whole side of the body. Problems associated with a stroke include balance and coordination difficulties, speech problems, problems with memory and thinking to name a few. There are community resources available to help stroke victims and their families to deal with stroke-related problems.
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Food
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There are community food resources available for stroke victims. Angel Food Ministries offers a $65 box of nutritious groceries for $30 with no limit to the amount of boxes that can be purchased. Angel Food Ministries are available in 35 states. Meals on Wheel also is a resource for strike victims, delivering a prepared meal at no cost to recipients.
Home Health Care Services
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Home health services are available to assist stroke victims with the health issues associated with a stroke. These services are made available through the Visiting Nurses Association, privatized home health care agencies, hospital home care programs and through local health departments. These community resources may vary from community to community. Those seeking information on these resources should contact their local social services agency.
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Salvation Army
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Stroke victims in communities that host a chapter of the Salvation Army may receive assistance from them. The Salvation Army is a religious aid organization that was founded in 1852 by William Booth in England. While the ministry of the Salvation Army is spiritual in nature, the Salvation Army applies their ministry by reaching out to physical needs. Some resources from the Salvation Army that can benefit stroke victims include their visitation programs and their homes for the elderly that have special needs.
Volunteer Visitation Programs
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Something that may be overlooked with stroke victims is loneliness. The devastating effects of a stroke can leave a stroke victim home-bound with little or no contact with the outside world. Some communities have volunteer visitation programs available for stroke victims. Through a volunteer visitation program, a stroke victim can receive regular visits or phone calls from a volunteer. This is not only beneficial for the stroke victim but can benefit the victim's caregiver by giving the caregiver a break. Volunteer visitation services vary from community to community and may be provided through agencies such as Friendly Visitors or a local church.
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