Abstract WP337: Partnering to Provide Community Support for Stroke Dyads

Background: Living in a rural state limits the resources available to stroke survivors and their caregivers (stroke dyad). A stroke center within an academic community hospital has collaborated with non-profit organizations to fill the gaps within the community for stroke survivors. This has resulted in an annual retreat to provide some respite for the caregivers and recreation in which the stroke survivors can participate. Purpose: Physical and cognitive deficits prevent stroke survivors from having the same life experiences as other non-disabled people. One of these is the camp or resort experience that does not provide accommodations for stroke survivors. As a result, the caregivers don’t have opportunities, time or the income to be able to have a weekend away from responsibilities. Methods: The stroke educator developed a strong community support group and began working with community dyads to enhance their support group experiences. The educator reached out to national non-profit organizations and was able to establish a relationship with a non-profit organization (NPO) that specialized in bringing weekend retreats into communities for stroke dyads and their families. Results: The first retreat sponsored by the community hospital resulted in all available reservations being filled, including out of state dyads, the first time this occurred for the NPO. The feedback provided by the participants and the enthusiasm for the whole experience enabled the stroke educator, stroke program and NPO to better refine the experience going forward. This has resulted in an annual retreat that the stroke dyads look forward to every year. Conclusions: In conclusion, once the patient is discharged home with their caregiver and families is when the full realization of the changes that have occurred will impact their outlook. Depression after stroke has been well documented in the survivors and their caregivers. Living in a rural state limits the opportunities that dyads have to be able to cope with the changes that occur after stroke. By working with a national NPO, the hospital has been able to fill one need for this community providing this opportunity for a weekend retreat. Offering this experience has grown the support group and provided dyads with a community of others with similar experiences so that no one has to face their journey alone.