The CRSN has created this page to list some of the relevant COVID-related resources for stroke survivors and caregivers at this difficult time. These have been compiled in response to the pandemic, but there are many more resources that you should see. Click on the toolbar above for stroke care information, guides, and peer support pages.
If you or your loved one is having a symptom of stroke, call 911. Don't drive, call 911 F.A.S.T. Treatment will begin in an ambulance while travelling to a stroke hospital.
NEW from the Heart & Stroke Foundation: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on all people in Canada, including the heart and stroke community. We would like to understand the impacts on you, your health, how you have managed, and your future needs. Please complete the survey
- Aphasia Institute Pictographs The Aphasia Institute has many pictographs to facilitate conversations with people experiencing communication barriers. There are new templates about vaccinations, COVID screening, and giving consent to participate in online programs. To access the full selection of editable templates, visit the Aphasia Institute website at https://www.participics.ca/
- Champlain Community Support Network - COVID-19 Support Services from this network include pharmacy & food delivery, Meals on Wheels, telephone support, transportation options, and dementia support.
- Community and Therapy Services for Stroke Survivors in Ottawa - we have attached this week's listing of private therapies available to persons with stroke. (No change as of December 15, 2020)
- Heart and Stroke Foundation: Dr. Cindy Yip, director of Data, Knowledge Management and Heart Program for Heart & Stroke, provides a summary of information on COVID 19 and precautions for people living with heart disease or stroke.
- Heart and Stroke Foundation Coronavirus Resources- Information to help deal with the COVID-19 crisis for patients and caregivers living with heart disease or stroke. Includes medical & social services, financial assistance, peer support, physical activity & nutrition, and Government of Canada updates
- Heart and Stroke Foundation Webinars: Click here for the COVID-19 Webinars for People with Lived Experience series
- Handwashing technique for people with stroke and a weak/flaccid arm: this video was created by an Occupational Therapist at Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. Click here to watch the demonstration.
- March of Dimes Canada: March of Dimes Canada has shifted many of their Community and After Stroke programs to be virtual (online and by telephone) so you don’t have to miss them during the pandemic. Find out more about the programs available
- Mental Health Resources, Ottawa Public Health: Caregivers often don't take the time for self-care as they work to improve the health of others. It is normal to feel stress at this time and for this situation to affect mental health. Click here for a listing of some of the Mental Health Resources available to you.
- Mental Health Resources - Counselling Connect: provides free access to a same-day or next-day phone or video counselling session. This service is for children, youth, adults and families in Ottawa and the surrounding area. Click here to book a session
- Mental Health Resources - Togetherall: Click here for an online peer-to-peer support community for your mental health. Trained practitioners are available 24/7.
- The University of Ottawa Heart Institute has compiled a list of resources to help keep patients informed and stay active and healthy during this difficult time. Click here for heart-healthy resources for secondary prevention like exercise (videos etc), nutrition, stress management and more.
- Virtual (online) Healthcare Sessions: many health appointments are being offered online and not in person. Click here for Heart and Stroke's guide to making the most of a virtual healthcare session.
- Virtual & Online Care Resources Ontario - A list of virtual and online care resources has been created by the Ontario Regional Stroke Networks’ Community and Long-Term Care Group to share with persons living with the effects of stroke, families/informal caregivers and health professionals.