Stroke Mentor Program and Support Groups
Stroke Mentor Program
If requested, a patient and his or her spouse or significant other can be paired with a former stroke patient and his or her spouse or significant other who have completed a formal mentoring program designed by the American Stroke Association. Mentor(s) are carefully chosen and will visit the patient while he or she is still at Mary Free Bed to help with the adjustment and will continue meeting with the patient after discharge, as desired.
Stroke Support Group
The goal of our very successful Stroke Support Group is to provide a forum for stroke survivors and their family members to meet and learn about adjusting to the changes a stroke brings to one’s life and family. The monthly evening meetings are both educational and fun. The group meets the first Wednesday of every month, 6:15-7:30 pm, in the second-floor conference room at Mary Free Bed (directions). We’ll send you a monthly flyer that will tell you about the next meeting. The group also has three social events each year: a summer picnic, a spring potluck, and a holiday party.
For additional information, or to be added to our mailing list, please call 616.242.0443 or 800.528.8989, ext. 4443, or email strokeprogram@maryfreebed.com.
Let's Talk Again: Aphasia Community Group
This is a community group of persons who are living with aphasia. The group meets the last Wednesday of every month from 4-5 p.m. at Mary Free Bed in the second-floor conference room of the Inpatient Building (directions). The gatherings provide an opportunity to socialize, share experiences, trials, tribulations, and successes with others who live with aphasia. These meetings are group facilitated and directed with upcoming topics determined within each meeting. In the past, we have just visited, shown pictures or souvenirs from our travels, shared each other’s favorite music and arts, and played games. Anyone with aphasia is welcome, regardless of ability to communicate. Spouses or caregivers are also welcome. Refreshments are available.
For additional information about the Let's Talk Again group, please call 616.242.0425 or email strokeprogram@maryfreebed.com.
Other Area Stroke Support Groups
Hackley Hospital
Muskegon, MI 49443
231.728.4698
This group meets to support each other, discuss experiences, and listen to speakers discuss issues surrounding stroke.
Mercy General
Stroke Education Program
231.739.3752
This class focuses on educating participants on what a stroke is, side effects, risk factors, and what to do if you have a stroke.
Never Give Up Stroke Support Club
Spectrum Health - Kent Community Hospital
Grand Rapids, MI
616.336.3404
An outreach service of Kent Community Hospital Volunteer Services.