As an individual recovers from a stroke and transitions to the community setting, (i.e. home from rehab) an awareness of available community resources is very helpful. There are many agencies and resources within each community that can help meet the needs of
individuals after a stroke.
This self-directed learning module contains information you are expected to know for you to be able to support our patients, our guests and you.
Target Audience: RN, LPN, PT, PTA, OT, COTA, SLP, CTRS on stroke team
Recommended: Ancillary Team Members Who Treat
Stroke Patients
Contents
Instructions ...2
Learning Objectives...2
Module Content ...3
Job Aid ...6
INSTRUCTIONS
The material in this module is an introduction to important general information. After completing this module, contact your supervisor to obtain additional information specific to your department.
• Read this module.
• If you have any questions about the material, ask your supervisor.
• Complete the online post test for this module.
• The JOB AID on page 6may be customized to fit your department and then used as a quick reference guide.
• Completion of this module will be recorded under My Learning in PeopleLink.
Learning Objectives
When you finish this module, you will be able to:
• Identify resources at Carolinas Rehabilitation available to individuals recovering from a stroke.
• Identify resources in the community which individuals who have sustained a stroke may be eligible.
INTRODUCTION
As an individual recovers from a stroke and transitions to the community setting, (i.e. home from rehab) an awareness of available community resources is very helpful. There are many agencies and resources within each community that can help meet the needs of individuals after a stroke. Many of these agencies offer services and information that can assist individuals after stroke, their family members and caregivers.
Some services are not available in all areas. The resources at Carolinas Rehabilitation can be accessed by referring to the Carolinas Rehabilitation Telephone Directory.
I. Carolinas Rehabilitation Resources
A. Adaptive Sports & Adventures Program (ASAP)
This program provides sports and recreational opportunities for those with physical and/or cognitive disabilities. (704-355-1062)
B. Clinical Trials
These are studies conducted to review investigational medications and devices that may be beneficial for individuals following a stroke. This resource is offered through the Research Department at Carolinas Rehabilitation. (704-355-1525)
C. NC Assistive Technology Program
This state agency offers the opportunity to test various adaptive equipment to increase independence in communication,
leisure/recreational participation, employment, or computer use. (919-233-7075)
D. Outpatient Physician Clinic
The clinic schedules medical appointments for the patient with a physiatrist. A physiatrist is a medical doctor specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation.
E. Outpatient Services
Services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, psychology/neuropsychology, and driving evaluations are offered on an outpatient basis. (704-512-3390)
F. Vocational Rehabilitation
This state agency assists eligible individuals with a disability in preparing for and obtaining employment. The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation has an office at Carolinas Rehabilitation Main.
G. Vocational Services Department
This department assists individuals with return to work. Professionals provide vocational assessments, work site assessments, work
adjustment training, job placement, and job coaching services as well as long term support. (877-734-2251)
H. Volunteer Services
This service provides many volunteer opportunities at Carolinas Rehabilitation. (704-355-0779)
I. Wheelchair Seating and Positioning Clinic
This clinic assists individuals with selecting a wheelchair system or other specialized equipment that best meets his or her needs. (704-355-4325)
II. State and Federal Stroke Community Resources
A. Stroke Support Groups
These groups meet at Carolinas Rehabilitation Mercy and Mount Holly as well as at other locations across North Carolina and South Carolina. A listing of all the stroke support groups by location can be located at either the National Stroke Association website (www.stroke.org) or the American Stroke Association (www.strokeassociation.org)
B. North Carolinas Stroke Association
This association is a statewide association that supports individuals after stroke and their families.
Website: www.ncstroke.org C. National Stroke Association
This is a national organization whose mission is to reduce the incidence and impact of stroke by developing compelling education and programs focused on prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and support for all impacted by stroke.
D. American Stroke Association
This is a national association that is dedicated to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment to save lives from stroke. (1-800AHA-USA1)
Website: www.strokeassociation.org E. The Internet Stroke Center
This is an independent web resource for information about stroke care and research.
Website: http://www.strokecenter.org F. Tri-State Stroke Network
This organization serves NC, SC, GA and focuses on supporting stroke prevention and control in the tri-state area.
G Centers for Independent Living in NC and SC
These private, nonprofit corporations provide services to maximize the independence of individuals with disabilities and the accessibility of the communities they live in.
Website: http://www.ilru.org/html/publications/directory/CILs.html H. Department of Social Services (DSS)
The DSS provides assistance for Medicaid eligibility and other government assisted programs.
North Carolina – www.dhhs.state.nc.us/dss
South Carolina – www.state.sc.us/dss
I. Carolinas Legal Assistance is designated as North Carolina’s Protection and Advocacy Agency
This agency protects and advocates for the rights of North Carolinians having disabilities. Website: www.cladisabilitylaw.org.
J. South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs, Head and Spinal Injury (HASCI)
This department is the lead agency for accessing services in the public sector in South Carolina.
Website: www.state.sc.us/ddsn
K. South Carolina Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
This department assists individuals with a disability in preparing for and obtaining employment.
Website: www.scvrd.net
L Social Security Administration (SSA)
This area administers federal and state programs including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security
Income (SSI).
Website: www.ssa.gov
M. North Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation
This department assists eligible individuals with a disability in preparing for and obtaining employment.
Website: http://dvr.dhhs.state.nc.us
N. North Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Independent Living (VRIL)
This program assists eligible individuals with severe disabilities to obtain services that provide an alternative to institutionalization, where possible; improve ability to function in a family, at home and /or in their community; and helps prepare for involvement in the Vocational
Rehabilitation Program.
Website: http://dvr.dhhs.state.nc.us/DVR/IL/ilhome.htm
JOB AID
• NC Assistive Technology Program at Carolinas Rehabilitation offers the opportunity to try various adaptive equipment to increase
independence in communication, leisure/recreational participation, employment, or computer use.
• Outpatient Physician Clinic at Carolinas Rehabilitation schedules medical appointments with a physiatrist.
• Vocational Services at Carolinas Rehabilitation assists individuals with return to work issues.
• Outpatient Services offers services such as physical therapy,
occupational therapy, speech therapy, psychology/neuropsychology, and driving evaluations on an outpatient basis.
• Carolinas Rehabilitation has 2 Stroke Support groups, one at CR Mount Holly and one at CR Mercy.
• There are 2 different national associations to provide information and resources for patients who have had a stroke, as well as their family members.
References
Carolinas Rehabilitation.
www.carolinashealthcare.org/services/rehab/rehabilitation.cfm North Carolina Stroke Association
www.ncstroke.org
National Stroke Association
www.stroke.org
American Stroke Association
www.strokeassociation.org
Centers for Independent Living.
http://www.ilru.org/html/publications/directory/CILs.html
NC Department of Social Services. www.dhhs.state.nc.us/dss
SC Department of Social Services. www.state.sc.us/dss
Carolina Legal Assistance. www.cladisabilitylaw.org. Department of Health and Human Services.
www.dhhs.state.nc.us/mhddsas/tbi
SC Department of Disabilities & Special Needs. www.state.sc.us/ddsn
SC Department of Vocational Rehabilitation. www.scvrd.net www.ssa.gov
NC Department of Vocational Rehabilitation. http://dvr.dhhs.state.nc.us
NC Department of Vocational Rehabilitation Independent Living.
Posttest
Name: _____________________________________________ Date: ______________________________________________
Circle the correct answer.
1. Which of the services below are available at Carolinas Rehabilitation? a. NC Assistive Technology Program
b. Outpatient Physician Clinic c. Vocational Services
d. All of the above
2. Outpatient services at Carolinas Rehabilitation offers the following services: a. Outpatient Therapies
b. Driving Evaluations
c. Neuropsychology/Psychology d. All of the above
3. If an individual is interested in scheduling a medical appointment with a physiatrist following an inpatient stay, which would be the appropriate resource?
a. Vocational Services
b. Outpatient Physician Clinic c. ASAP
d. Volunteer Services
4. Which organization provides stroke specific information and resources for North Carolina?
a. Department of Social Services (DSS) b. North Carolina Stroke Association c. Vocational Rehabilitation
d. Vocational Rehabilitation Independent Living
