Approximately 400 people per day have strokes in South Africa.
Strokes are the third leading cause of death in the Western Cape and one of the leading causes of disability in the country. The burden of stroke does not only result in high mortality rates, but also leaves approximately 50% of survivors chronically disabled.
Helderberg Stroke Support Group (HSSG) assists stroke survivors and their families in the Helderberg Basin and Grabouw. The main focus of the HSSG is on:
Six Community Rehabilitation Groups have been established in the Helderberg Basin and in Grabouw to provide weekly group therapy for stroke survivors. These support groups supply much-needed rehabilitation for many underprivileged members of the community.
HSSG provides two types of training. General Training - This is done by rehabilitation therapists with special interest and experience in stroke rehabilitation and is directed at home based carers, nursing staff, family of stroke survivors and volunteers who are interested in assisting stroke survivors in their communities. Empowerment Training - Various topics are covered and this training is aimed specifically at empowering stroke survivors and their families.
Exercises, cognitive and perceptual stimulation, speech related activities, psychological counseling, lectures on topics related to stroke and social activities are offered by the Helderberg Stroke Support Group.
Knowledge of risk factors for stroke and taking appropriate measures to counter act these can play an important role in both primary and secondary prevention of stroke.