After stroke
Although rehabilitation programmes often include self-management training individuals can still feel unprepared to cope in the longer term once discharged from treatment.
People with stroke can access the Expert Patient Programmes (EPP) that is available in many parts of the UK. These programmes are not designed specifically for stroke, but include training in many of the core self-management skills that are helpful for people living with a chronic condition.
Stroke clubs are also available in many parts of the UK and offer an informal and regular way of meeting with other people who have experienced a stroke. These clubs provide an opportunity to exchange ideas and get advice from others, as well as offering different activities.
More information about local stroke clubs can be found at:
http://www.stroke.org.uk/in_your_area/stroke_clubs/index.html
Bridges is an individualised stroke self-management programme that can be carried out at home or started in hospital. It has been specifically designed so that it can be used alongside other physiotherapy or group-based programmes. It is centered on self-efficacy theory and incorporates many of the self-management strategies used in the chronic disease self-management programme at Stanford University.
