March of Dimes Canada

Personalized recovery program providing support for stroke survivors, as well as their families and caregivers

• services offered both during and after their stay at the hospital
• provides a personalized plan for stroke recovery which is regularly reviewed and adjusted as needed
• connects patients and their families/caregivers with information, resources, and programs in the community

Peer Support Programs

Peer support during hospitalization:

• hospital-based volunteers (who are stroke survivors themselves) offer support by listening, sharing their experiences, and helping to find the information and resources the patient needs
• not available at all hospitals; see website for the list of participating hospitals in Ontario

After Stroke Peer Support Network:

• national network of peer support groups for stroke survivors and their families and caregivers
• online directory of virtual and in-person peer support groups across Canada (includes groups managed by other organizations)

Online peer support groups managed by March of Dimes:

• Stroke Community Conversation
• Young Stroke Survivors: Wisdom Circle
• Young Adults Living with Stroke
• Caregivers of Stroke Survivors
• Life Partners of Stroke Survivors

Education and Resources

Educational resources available on the website:

• articles and videos covering various subjects related to strokes, such as stroke information, caregiver support, mental health, research, and personal stories
• After Stroke Peer Support Toolkit available for individuals and organizations interested in starting a peer support group

Life After Stroke group

• weekly, two-hour online educational sessions for stroke survivors, led by a member of the After Stroke Team alongside someone with lived experience of stroke
• build confidence in managing life after stroke through guided learning and practice
• focus on health and well-being, including secondary stroke prevention, emotional resilience, and lifestyle strategies
• learn practical skills and tools on a variety of topics to support recovery and independence

Exercise and Movement Programs

Graded Repetitive Arm Supplementary Program (GRASP)

• 10-week online rehabilitative exercise program designed to improve arm and hand strength, coordination, and the ability to use the stroke-affected arm in daily activities

Virtual Exercise Program

• chair based, rehabilitative exercise program divided into three levels
• Level One: Foundations: for individuals who are primarily using a wheelchair for mobility and may or may not have good in function in both arms
• Level Two: Functional: for those who are looking to build on their current exercise routine; individuals may use a wheelchair or walker for mobility and may have some use in their affected side arm and hand and want to work on strengthening it further
• Level Three: Focus: for those who have exercised regularly but want to focus on strength, coordination and balance

• To register for in-person services, call the After Stroke Support Line, send an email, or fill in the online contact form
• once registered, the local After Stroke coordinator will contact the client and determine which programs are available

Clients may also register to some online programs by using the following online registration forms:
• Peer Support Groups
• Virtual Exercise Program Registration

• Disabilities - Disability Associations
• Mental Health / Addictions - Support Groups