Saanich Peninsula Stroke Recovery Association

 

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

To promote the recovery of stroke survivors and support their caregivers to maximize their mutual well-being.

 WHAT WE OFFER :

  • A community of support available for the long term
  • A regular opportunity to meet with others who share similar experiences
  • Supervised exercise led by a Registered Kinesiologist
  • A speech and conversation group directed by a Registered Speech Language Pathologist
  • A confidential, supportive caregiver support group
  • Entertainment, including speakers on relevant topics, music and table games
  • Special events throughout the year such as our annual Christmas luncheon

What Our Members Say…

After my stroke I wasn’t able to talk and could hardly walk.  I felt that the service I received from the formal system after I was discharged did not meet my needs.  I am now attending the exercise group regularly and enjoy the group.  It has been a very long hard road and that I have felt very alone on this journey.   This group gives me a very good family feeling.

Derek

When my wife and I first joined the group, we were not sure what to expect or what benefits we might gain.  We were pleasantly surprised.  We quickly realized how many other stroke survivors and caregivers were faced with similar and, in some cases, even greater challenges than us.  Over time, we learned how others had dealt with their situations and adapted to then.  The group helped us to do the same.  The integrated programs – speech therapy, exercise, caregiver support and entertainment are all very beneficial.  The hard-working Executive and group of volunteers do a great job to keep everything functioning.  We look forward to attending the meetings each week. 

Maurice

When my rehab therapy sessions ended at Victoria General Hospital, I knew I would keep up with my exercises if I had support. I didn’t realize I also needed the opportunity to be part of a safe understanding social group. I get both needs met at Penninsula Stroke Recovery Association.

Nadia

My husband joined the Saanich Peninsula Stroke Recovery Association after experiencing a stroke ten years before.  He found the speech class most beneficial at the time and although he quickly recovered, he has continued to attend ever since!  He feels like part of a ‘family’ here…looks forward to the social aspect of these weekly meetings.  As you know, social interaction/communication is therapy.  Without this essential link, one can easily become isolated and be more susceptible to developing other health issues.  We cannot say enough about what a crucial role the SPSPA has played and continues to play in our lives.

Anon

The caregiver support group is a gold mine of information and knowledge. They have gone through it themselves. In my case, I don’t believe I would’ve been able to get on with my life without the backing and encouragement from this group. Being able to talk to a group without embarrassment and know that it stayed in the room was incredibly helpful. 
Janet

A friend approached me when my husband was still in hospital after his stroke.  He suggested we come to the group as soon as my husband was discharged.  I visited the group a week before and was very impressed with how friendly everyone was.  I managed to persuade my husband to come.  Initially, he was very reluctant to come, but once he did he promptly made friends and never looked back.  He enjoyed getting out and meeting people who shared many of the same difficulties.  Once he did, he didn’t feel so isolated.  The friendly atmosphere, acceptance and willingness of others to help wherever they could was the most important factor for us.

Diana

My dear friend suffered a stroke which resulted in him having a significant speech impairment.  He found the gentle acceptance of the group to be very supportive.  He attended the speech group and found working with the speech therapist was helpful.  He appreciated being treated respectfully even though he was unable to express his thoughts verbally.  He loved the musical entertainment and, on many occasions, I heard him quietly singing along to old familiar songs.  Despite his speech restrictions he was still able to sing.

Barbara

Everyone who has experienced stroke either first-hand or with a loved one  attends the Monday sessions for the same reason,  having a common goal to improve their quality of life, their dexterity and/or communication skills.  “How could this happen to me?”  Well it can - and did.  Lasting friendships form from having a shared experience ‘Been there, done that…me too.’  Caregivers receive invaluable support from each other as well as information about resources available through VIHA and other home support services.  Confidiality is the key word.  One stroker told me that he had hesitated to attend because he thought that our meetings would consist of a lot of depressed people sitting about in wheelchairs.  When he came through the door for the first time he was amazed to find a roomful of people enjoying coffee together, swapping stories and laughter.  The consensus of the group is that ‘we support each other’.

Pat

If you are a Physician, Case Manager, Social Worker, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Speech Language Pathologist, Home Care Nurse, Liaison Nurse … your clients can benefit!

REFERRALS ARE ENCOURAGED BUT NOT REQUIRED.

 Are you a stroke survivor, a caregiver, or a concerned family member?

For more information go to ...

Recovery Page