Peer support program now available for stroke patients

Volunteer visits show ‘there can be life after a stroke’

Story by Colin Zak; Photo by Paul Rotzinger

Tom Moore’s life changed forever this past September.

“At first, I couldn’t believe I was having a stroke,” the 64-year-old Calgary man recalls. “When I couldn’t move my left leg, I knew it was real.”

Suffering a stroke is often a confusing time for patients and their families. However, a new peer support program offered at Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary is helping recent stroke patients like Moore take new steps on their road to recovery.

INSPIRES (Inpatient Support Program In Recovery From Stroke) allows volunteers who have had a stroke and are recovering and coping well to share their knowledge and experience with patients who recently suffered a stroke. The program, developed by the Calgary Stroke Program, is the first of its kind in the province.

Moore says the volunteer visits have helped guide his recovery.

“If you can meet somebody who’s gone through this before it shows there’s hope, it’s helped me to celebrate the small triumphs through my recovery,” he says. “Talking about it definitely helps.” Started in April of this year, the program currently has five volunteers who make regular visits to Foothills patients who recently had a stroke. During visits, patients and their families have the chance to share their story and concerns, and also hear from volunteers who share their experience.

VIDEO: Stroke Support 

The program came about because of the efforts of Lori Beaver, a stroke survivor who has for the last two years been visiting patients at Foothills, and is operated with the help of Foothills staff.

“Patients are often terrified – one day their life is normal, the next day they’re paralyzed and can’t speak or remember things,” Beaver says. “They’re thankful for a visit. It shows them that there can be life after a stroke.”

Prospective volunteers must first go through a half-day education session where they learn the fundamentals of being a peer supporter, including effective communication and what a typical visit looks like. Many volunteers also enrol in the Living with Stroke Program through The Heart and Stroke Program. Volunteers schedule their own visits and commitments vary from one day a month to several visits per week.

The volunteers have been so well received that another education session is planned for Nov. 29.

Dr. Andrew Demchuk, director of the Calgary Stroke Program, says depression is common following a stroke, and speaking with another stroke survivor may decrease the likelihood of depression.

“When you have a stroke, the fear is that you’re not going to recover enough to regain your independence,” Demchuk explains. “It’s inspiring to meet someone who’s gone through it and recovered, or at least learned to cope with their new limitations.”

Calgarians who have had a stroke and would like to become a peer supporter for stroke patients can contact the Calgary Stroke Program at 403-944-8648.