Hello, my name is Carol, I'm 57 years old and have cared for my husband who is 66 in Dec 2017 now for 3 years at home.
I live on the Campbelltown/MacArthur NSW and looking to make contact with other Carers/Stroke Survivors in the area to see if we can assist each other or offer ideas to assist in our day to day just to make things easier. Look forward to hearing from you.
Hi Carol,
Great idea - just wondering if you have made contact with The Stroke Recovery Association NSW. I have a flyer of theirs and by the looks of it these is a support group happening in Campbelltown. The Stroke Recovery Association NSW also have a website you can get further detail on. There number is 1300 650 594.
Our support group in Bathurst - The Determinators have been meeting informally for quite a few years. Last year when I discovered the group we joined up with the association so that we can get out and about say for Stroke Week, for other outings and are covered by insurance.
:-) Sue
Hi Sue, we had attended the Stroke Recovery meetings a few times but unfortunately it wasn't what we thought it would be and therefore my husband refused to go back. What we were looking for at the start of Neil's recovery was information and guidance as we were sent home from hospital with absolutely nothing. We have only come thus far by finding our own resources in a minefield information. We made some costly mistakes along the way and I feel we can help others who are starting their recovery avoid the pitfalls, the despair, the stress and depression from the beginning. People in our situation don't need another website to look at, another phone number to call or register with another organisation, what is needed is for someone to sit down with the carer/survivor and go through the needs they require and help them to find what they are looking for. Meeting once a fortnight is not enough to actually help someone, there needs to be devoted time in the beginning to help them through the vulnerable stages until they feel strong enough to go it on their own but always be at hand.
Regards Carol
Hi Carol,
Give StrokeLine 1800 787 653 a call they can help to with advice about forming a stroke support group.
Do you want me to add your call out in the next EnableMe newsletter?
Diana
Sure Diana that would be great. Thankyou
Dear Carol
A great idea, there is a need for this for both the stroke survivor and the caregiver. Knowing you are not alone, sharing what has worked and not worked for us, may also enlighten others in similar situations. Life goes on and if we can at least share and know there are others that may feel the same or have felt the same, makes the experience even more bearable. Understanding that what is provided currently is valuable however one size doesn't always fit all. I'm definitely interested, thank you for starting the conversation.
Kind Regards
Debbie ( wife, caregiver) of a stroke survivor
Thankyou Debbie, you seem to understand what it is I'm trying to achieve within the MacArthur area. If we can help people in these situations and at least let them know they are not alone as I felt for the first 2 1/2 years we could of got to this point in our recovery sooner rather than later. We would of saved a lot of tears, angst, stress and depression we endured from lack of care from the start. I'm just grateful after giving up so many times I got back up and kept going. It's not any easy road to go it alone and I'm here to help anyone wanting our help.
Regards
Carol xx