Stroke support groups play a crucial role in stroke rehabilitation and recovery.
PEOPLE have traditionally provided support for one another, especially when there are challenges. The classic example is the extended family. Whenever there is an event, especially an adverse one, relatives come together to provide assistance and support for the affected person.
The support can be material or non-material. It is often of a varied nature and can be emotional, financial, information, etc.
However, modern day life has seen the dismantling of the extended family in many societies. This has contributed to the formation of support groups.
A support group is one in which the members provide assistance to one another for a specific purpose, which is usually problem-based. The assistance may include the sharing of personal experiences, considerate support, provision of information and care, and establishing social interaction.
A support group has to be distinguished from other groups. The former involves contact between peers, eg people with a health condition. The latter involves the support of causes, eg politics, environment, employment, etc.
There are various types of support groups. In the case of health conditions, they provide for the sharing of experiences, information and services as well as play an advocacy role.
Support groups maintain contact among its members through personal contact or print and electronic media. Membership can be informal in that it is open to anyone, or formal with admission requirements.
Many support groups are managed by its volunteer members who have personal experience of the groups objectives. Other groups are managed by professionals who do not have the problems of the members of the group, eg healthcare professionals. The professionals provide information and services as well as assist in the determination of the activities of the groups.
Life changes after a stroke
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Stroke support groups