The recently released Community Stroke Support Services: Southeastern Ontario Annual Report for 2023-24 highlights the extraordinary work being done to help people living with stroke remain at home longer with help to better manage their health and improve their sense of well-being: “Being able to talk to a group of people that have been through something similar makes one feel not alone.” Given the level of disability experienced by people living with stroke and the added stress on their caregivers, stroke support in the community is an essential part of the healthcare system.
The Community Stroke Support Services: Southeastern Ontario Annual Report and Infographic have been released. This report is created annually in partnership with the Community Stroke Support Services Agencies involved in the delivery of Stroke Support Services: Community Care for South Hastings (CCSH) in HPE, Victoria Order of Nurses (GK VON) in KFLA and Senior Support Services (CPHC) in LLG.
The topics included in this report are background information, summary of stroke support services in the community, 2023-24 data, recommendations and next steps. The report also reflects the priority actions for moving forward after the completion of the 2023 Community Consultation report. Some highlights from the annual report include data to demonstrate a steady increase in referrals and participation in support groups and aphasia conversation groups since 2021-22 fiscal year. The report also revealed that 288 individuals participated in stroke support groups across the region.
Some key achievements and innovations include:
- Adapting programs to meet local needs, “Every stroke is like a snowflake or gain of sand” – requires a unique approach
- Region-wide Stroke-focused Adult Day Programming
- Regional Stroke Education Program
- Hospital and Community Collaborations: Warm hand offs and groups
- Evening groups and Younger Stroke Survivor groups
- Stroke-specific exercise groups (virtual and in-person)
- Region-wide Aphasia Supportive Conversation Groups (weekly in LLG)
- Stroke Awareness and Aphasia Advocacy Work
This report demonstrates the outstanding, innovative and ongoing dedicated work by the community stroke support agencies over the past year. Recommendations for the future include securing additional funding to enhance and sustain these valuable services.
For more information on Stroke Support Services in the community, you can access the Community Supports section of the Stroke Network of Southeastern Ontario’s website.