New stroke support group for survivors and caregivers
SUN CITY, Ariz. (April 6, 2010) – Banner Boswell Medical Center and Banner Boswell Rehabilitation Center invite stroke survivors and their loved ones to attend a new support group open to residents in the Northwest Valley. The group meets from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month, September through May, at Banner Boswell Rehabilitation Center.
“Although stroke is the leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the United States, there are few stroke support groups in the Valley – and none in the Northwest Valley – to help patients and their families deal with the lasting impact of stroke,” said Darry Johnson, MD, neurologist and medical director of Banner Boswell’s stroke program.
Stroke survivors and their caregivers meet together during the first part of the meeting, and then gather separately to discuss role-specific issues in a welcoming and confidential environment.
“This structure allows patients to connect with other patients and caregivers to connect with other caregivers, enabling both the patient and caregiver to get the support they need from people who might be going through similar experiences,” said Pat Greene, RN, director of nursing for Banner Boswell’s Neuro-Progressive Care Unit.
Stroke occurs when a blood vessel to the brain becomes blocked. Deprived of oxygen, brain cells die. The effect on stroke survivors can range from minimal to severe; creating a lifetime of injury for some that may include physical disabilities, difficulty speaking or swallowing, behavioral changes, or memory impairments.
About 795,000 people experience a new or recurrent stroke and 143,000 people die from stroke each year in the United States, according to the American Stroke Association.
Banner Boswell Rehabilitation Center is located at 10601 W. Santa Fe Dr. in Sun City. For more information on the stroke support group, please call (623) 974-7000.
About Banner Boswell Medical Center
Banner Boswell Medical Center is a 430-bed, acute-care hospital located in Sun City, Arizona. Founded in 1970, Banner Boswell offers heart services, cancer care, orthopedics, neurosciences, women’s diagnostics, emergency care, and medical and surgical services. Banner Boswell is part of nonprofit Banner Health, the leading provider of health services in the Valley with 22 hospitals throughout the West. For more information about Banner Boswell, visit www.BannerHealth.com/Boswell.
Contact:
Lisa Guinn
(623) 876-5704
