Helpful Resources

About the Tools & Tips Document

This comprehensive document was created by local occupational therapist, Bebe Makena. It presents a variety of adaptive aids, some durable medical equipment, and functional modification tips to address a diverse set of needs that are commonly seen when providing care. Where possible, it lists some how-to insights on making your own. Bebe hopes to build this page out more in the future. 


The lists, pictures, and descriptions in this document do NOT constitute an endorsement of or prescription for any of the items or methods therein. You are expected to use this as an informational guide to do your own research and decision-making process. You are strongly encouraged to try something before you buy it when possible.  



Will the Ministry or Secondary Insurance Pay for a Device?

The Ministry's basic health services plan along with some secondary health insurance plans will cover some items, but not all. For example, they're more likely to cover a walker than a sock aid or an inspection mirror. Check with your health plan to learn more about what they will and won't cover for you and what requirements they need if they are willing to cover the expense. For example, they may need a prescription from your doctor, a letter of recommendation from a therapist who has assessed you, and/or a quote for the cost of the item from a vendor. 

Click this link to open the Tools & Tips Document.

Government of British Columbia

Excellent overview of stroke rehabilitation, terms, resources, specific issues like eating, and so much more: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/illnesses-conditions/heart-health-and-stroke/stroke-rehabilitation 


Information on community-based rehabilitation services: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/accessing-health-care/home-community-care/care-options-and-cost/community-rehabilitation. If you look at the left side-bar of this webpage, you will find additional resource information that may be helpful.

Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada

Website: https://www.heartandstroke.ca/ 


There is a lot of educational information here on heart disease and on stroke. It is worthwhile exploring even if one has reviewed the BC websites simply because this one has different information that is equally useful including a Services and Resources page found here: https://www.heartandstroke.ca/services-and-resources.

Healthy Hearts Canada

Website: https://www.cardiachealth.ca/ 


This website also contains educational information on heart disease and stroke. They also have healthy recipes and healthy lifestyle information.

CanStroke, Provincial Health Services Authority Stroke Services BC, & Canadian Partnership for Stroke Recovery

Websites:


These websites have information aimed at clinicians and researchers, however some information may also be interesting and useful to clients and caregivers.

March of Dimes After Stroke

Website: https://www.afterstroke.ca/ 


Lovely website with well-organized and useful resources including peer support and caregiver guides which can be found here: https://www.afterstroke.ca/resources/.



Websitehttps://www.marchofdimes.ca/en-ca/programs/acs


Communication is one of the most basic ways we have of participating in our communities. Aphasia and other communication disorders can make that difficult. This is where MODC’s Alternative Communication Services come in.


Caregivers Support Groups 


There are 2 caregiver groups. One for spouses of stroke survivors called the Life Partners group. It's offered the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month from 5-6pm PT.  They also offer another caregiver group for families that's offered the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 5-6pm.

 

Register here for either group.

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=LgLPEQJhz0Oew_OpyuNE5QXNoOLeJRdFqZSa1ki6KXpUNEFHVUNTN0FWMjFaQzYxVDhZRjEyUFJRUyQlQCN0PWcu


Stroke Recovery Association of British Columbia

Website: https://strokerecoverybc.ca/ 


There is information here on the steps to recovering from a stroke, modifying one’s home, educating caregivers, finding support funding, learning how to communicate using technology aids, and more. They also provide information for support groups, virtual speech exercises, some physical exercises, and links to more physical rehabilitation resources.


The Stroke Recovery Association of BC website will also link to Stroke Class: https://strokeclass.com/.


Website:  https://interior-west.pathwaysbc.ca/programs/2256

Stroke Recovery Navigator Program

Aphasia

Website: https://www.aphasia.ca/health-care-providers/resources-and-tools/free-resources/ 

Free Resources for folks that have aphasia


Websitehttps://aphasiarecoveryconnection.org/ 

Aphasia Recovery Connection

Brain Injury

Website: https://braininjurycanada.ca/en

Supporting the brain injury community through education, advocacy, awareness and collaboration


Websitehttps://braincanada.ca/brain-diseases/brain-injury/ 

Brain Canada is engaging people with lived experience to set the research agenda for solutions to key issues such as traumatic brain injury. We’re working to support our funded researchers in designing their projects to achieve maximum impact. And we’re filling gaps in the early stages of the clinical research pathway with partners who know how to bring ideas to market.


 Website: https://www.headway.org.uk/ 

Headway - Brain Injury Support - good info but based in UK



Home Support options

Website: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/accessing-health-care/home-community-care/care-options-and-cost/home-support 

 BC-wide overview (good info)


Website: https://www.interiorhealth.ca/health-and-wellness/home-and-community-care 

Another overview from IH with some instructional info.  We support a philosophy that home, with appropriate supports, is the best place to recover from illness and injury, manage chronic conditions and live out final days. Seniors who have been admitted to hospital will likely recover more slowly than younger people. Evidence shows that leaving hospital as soon as possible and recuperating at home with home supports and community services is better than waiting in hospital to fully regain your strength before returning home. 


 Website: https://bc.211.ca/result/better-at-home-south-cariboo-87134697/  

Better at Home - South Cariboo


Assists seniors age 65 and over who require help with non-medical daily tasks to maintain independent living within their homes and remain connected to their communities. Services include light housekeeping, grocery shopping, friendly visits, snow shovelling, minor home repairs, light yard work, and transportation to medical and other critical appointments/social recreational activities. Fees are charged for some services on a sliding scale (based on income). Serves the South Cariboo (100 Mile House, 108 Mile House, 70 Mile House, Canim Lake, Clinton, Lac La Hache, and Lone Butte). Program hours are vary. Funded by Ministry of Health (MOH) and managed by United Way BC.






Yoga

Website: https://www.loveyourbrain.com/yoga/


Love Your Brain Yoga builds resilience, community connection, and wellbeing - Our research-backed program supports people with brain injury and caregivers to no matter where they are in their healing journey.