Stroke Support Association

Assist stroke survivors and family members in optimizing the quality of their lives and health, the long "Recovery", the permanence and the challenges that come with the losses and changes. It is these needs that this program addresses.

The Stroke Support Association (SSA) has provided support, education and resources not found elsewhere to residents of Los Angeles and Orange Counties for over 30 years.

A Support Group for stroke survivors and a group for family members and caregivers meet weekly for 90 minutes. These groups meet weekly, simultaneously, but separately in order to meet different needs. Discussions led by trained facilitators guide topics of discussion related to understanding stroke and optimizing life despite living with the changes brought about by stroke. They also provide information about stroke and opportunities to share problem-solving, community resources related to stroke and encourage socializaton with new friends.

Hospital Visitors: Seclected and trained volunteer stroke survivors and family members visit patients and family members new to stroke while still in the hospital. The SSA outreach program coordinates with local area hospitals. The visits are to assure people that they are not alone. They offer support, encouragement and to provide contact to the SSA for resources related to stroke recovery.

Special Needs Fund: In order to assist survivors and/or their family members whose stroke-related financial changes interfere with optimum recovery and return to satisfying lives, has established a Special Needs Fund (SNF). This financial assistance has been funded for $1,500.00 for one year. Recipients of this assistance, who have attended the SSA support groups must have low incomes and apply by filling out a questionnaire which is reviewed by the SNF Committee. The assistance must be related to issues brought on by stroke which affect the quality of life of the family unit.
 
The SSA began when a group of Long Beach health care professionals met at a conference and discussed the need for a stroke program to which they could refer patients upon their discharge from the hospital. They saw the need for a program that would bridge the gap between discharge from hospitalization and adjustment to a place in the community.

The SSA program concentrates 100% of its efforts on issues such as those listed above, brought on by stroke by providing services to stroke survivors and family members. All services are available free of charge.

Weekly Support Groups; Annual Stroke Picnic each August; Annual Holiday Luncheon each December.

 This is a list which we need Part Time assistance. Prior experience is not required in all areas. Each provides an opportunity to provide suggestions to help the Stroke Support Assoc (SSA) grow and continue our needed programs.  Most will require no more than a few hours per month.