Fact Sheet Library
The RESCUE team has prepared 49 fact sheets that will help you with any questions you may have. These fact sheets are divided into the following categories:
General Stroke Information
Many people don’t know what a stroke is or why it happened. In this section, you will learn about the causes of stroke and how to prevent another stroke in the future.
Obtaining Good Healthcare & Information
You may be overwhelmed by the amount of stroke information available. This section teaches you how to find up-to-date information from trusted sources. It also provides you with tips for talking to your healthcare team.
- Communicating with Your Loved One’s Healthcare Team
- Finding Reliable Health Information
- My HealtheVet - A Great VA Web Site for Veterans and Their Caregivers
Caregiver Well-being: Understanding How Caring for a Loved One Affects You
The daily stresses of caregiving can wear you down. To be the best caregiver, you must first take care of yourself. This section has tips on lowering your stress and depression. It also provides information on family relationships and long-distance caregiving.
- Changes in Relationships
- Caregivers Who Work Outside of the Home
- Caregiver Stress and Depression
- Long-Distance Caregiving
- Spirituality and Health
- Grieving and Emotional Recovery
Caring for Someone with Physical Needs
Dealing with the physical needs brought on by stroke is hard. This section informs you about changes in how the body functions and problems with speech.
- Everyday Personal Care (Bathing, Dressing, Grooming, Toileting, Mouth Care, Skin Care & Pressure Sores)
- Speech & Communication
- Changes in Body Function (Paralysis, Weakness, Problems with Balance, Changes in Sensation & Foot Drop)
- Spasticity (Stiff Muscles & Limited Movement)
- Loss of Bladder Control (Urinary Incontinence)
- Pain After Stroke
- Swallowing Problems
- Feeling Tired After Stroke (Fatigue)
- Sleeping Problems
- Sex After Stroke
Caring for Someone with Emotional & Behavioral Needs
Stroke can change your loved one’s personality and behavior. This section teaches you how to deal with these changes.
- Coping with Emotional Changes
- Depression After Stroke
- Apathy (Lack of Motivation)
- One-Side Neglect
- Cognitive Problems (Disorientation, Perception, Attention, Learning & Problem Solving)
- Memory Problems
- Personality Changes (Emotional Lability & Self-Centered Attitude)
- Dealing with Difficult Behaviors (Impulsive Behavior, Frustration, Anger & Aggression)
Keeping Your Loved One Safe and Healthy
Helping your loved one lead a healthier life can promote stroke recovery. Topics in this section include preventing falls and managing your loved one’s medications.
Helping Your Loved One Become More Independent
You may wonder how much help to give your loved one. In this section, you will learn ways to increase your loved one’s independence, while still lending a hand.
- Ways to Make the Home Safer (Home Modification)
- Assistive Devices (Wheelchairs, Walkers, Canes & Other Devices to Help with Daily Tasks)
- Driving & Transportation
- Adapting to Disability
- Returning to Work
Finding Community Resources
You may not know what help is available in your local area. In this section you will learn about respite care, long-term care housing, and stroke support groups.
- Community Services
- Getting Help from Family, Friends and Community
- Stroke Support Groups
- Taking a Break from Caregiving (Respite Care)
- Long-Term Care Housing Choices (Nursing Homes & Assisted Living)
- End of Life Care
Managing Financial & Legal Issues
Money issues can cause a lot of worry and stress. Tips for how to manage finances and sort through the legal process can be found in this section.
