Hanover Hospital Stroke Support Group to Meet on Novmeber 13

The next Hanover Hospital Stroke Support Group meeting will take place on Tuesday, November 13, from 6 – 8 p.m., at the Hanover Community Health & Education Center, 400 York Street, in Hanover. 

“Designer Therapies” is the topic for the November meeting, presented by stroke survivor Chris Papas and his wife, Pam.

The Stroke Support Group is designed for survivors of stroke and head injuries as well as their families and caregivers.   Goals for the group are to provide support, education and social interaction.  Special guest speakers are featured, as well as dietary and social service specialists who address issues of interest to participants. Helpful adaptive devices are also displayed.

Group facilitators are Diane McIntyre, M.S., CCC-SLP and Bethanie Freeman, M.S., CCC-SLP, both Speech Language Pathologists on the hospital’s Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation staff.  Other staff members include Heather Ernst, M.S. CF-SLP; Erin Vrankin, M.S. CCC-SLP; Jamie Williams, M.S. CCC-SLP; and Jenn Lupp, M.S. CCC-CLP.   According to McIntyre and Freeman, the group was established to meet the

               

special needs of a growing number of patients, providing an informal setting where they can learn and share with one another.                                                                                                                                                                                                     

“The social interaction offered by such a support group is important,” said McIntyre. “Because of the physical limitations caused by stroke, individuals can’t drive or visit their friends, and they usually are struggling with speech and language issues.”   “They can feel cut off,” Freeman added, “and depression can set in.”                                 .

Participation in the Stroke Support Group is free, and refreshments will be provided. The group meets the second Tuesday of odd-numbered months.  Application has been made for the group to be included in the American Stroke Association Registry.

For additional information or directions, please call the Hanover Hospital Speech-Language Pathologists office, at (717) 633-2156.