Stroke Family Support Organizer

The Stroke Family Support Organizer program connects the caregivers of stroke patients with home-based supportive services. Through the program, a support organizer acts as a liaison for stroke victims with the hospital rehabilitation team, assists caregivers in preparation for discharge, and visits individuals and caregivers at home following discharge from the hospital. Support organizers identify unmet needs and provide stroke information and education materials. Organizers help caregivers address concerns about adapting to disability, including benefit entitlement and emotional support. During home visits, the organizer works with stroke patients and caregivers to discuss problems, offer information, provide emotional support, and direct them to appropriate services. The intervention is provided for up to 9 months, with the content and frequency of home visits individualized to the specific needs and requests of patients and caregivers.

The goal of the Stroke Family Support Organizer program is to provide stroke patients and caregivers with information about supportive services.

This program was evaluated using a randomized controlled trial to compare individuals in the Stroke Family Support Organizer program, and those receiving standard care. Patients in the intervention group were significantly more knowledgeable about stroke information providers, reducing the risk of stroke, practical help, community services, and emotional support (all p's < 0.01). Patients in the intervention group were also significantly more satisfied with the stroke information received (p < 0.01). Caregivers in the intervention group were significantly more knowledgeable about stroke information providers, reducing the risk of stroke, , practical help, community services, and emotional support (all p's < 0.05). There were no significant differences between groups in patients' mood and independence in activities of daily living or caregivers' mood, strain, or independence.