Support and services for stroke recovery

Resources for stroke survivors and caregivers

Stroke recovery is different for everyone. Research shows people are more likely to meet their recovery goals if they are supported at each step along the way. That’s why HealthPartners has pulled together a wide range of resources to help meet your goals during stroke recovery.

A rehab specialist instructs an older woman doing hand exercises using a squishy ball.

Stroke rehabilitation and recovery

Your care team and loved ones provide vital support as you recover from a stroke. There are also great resources to guide you through stroke treatment and recovery.

Activities to build connections and knowledge

The Stroke INSPIRE program provides free stroke education, community programs, support groups and wellness offerings for stroke survivors and their care partners. INSPIRE gives participants the opportunity to connect, encourage one another, volunteer in the community and participate in many other unique experiences. The program includes online and in-person events.

  • Support groups – These support groups offer a safe space to share experiences, gain valuable insights and connect with others who understand the challenges you may be facing. There are groups for both stroke survivors and caregivers.
  • Stroke education – We also have education groups that provide opportunities for people to connect with experts in the field and learn about the latest resources and advancements in stroke care.
  • Events and activities – Programming includes fun activities like book clubs and a speaker’s club to develop your skills and spend time with others who may have similar experiences.

Stroke INSPIRE resources

Tips and tools for emotional well-being and mental health

Since it affects the brain, a stroke can have a significant impact on emotions and behavior. Recovery is a gradual process, and many emotional and behavioral changes tend to improve over time. But it’s important to talk to your care team about any changes that you may experience.

Exercise and therapy to improve overall well-being

Stroke can cause a wide range of brain and body changes. Exercising after a stroke is crucial during the recovery process. Types of exercise that are especially valuable during stroke recovery include low-impact aerobic exercises like walking or swimming, strength training, and exercises for balance and flexibility. Try to work up to 150 minutes of moderate exercise and 2-3 days of strength training each week.

At HealthPartners, we have NeuroWell exercise programs specifically designed for people with neurological injuries or diagnoses. You can also talk to your rehabilitation team to learn what may work best for you.

Improving your health through better nutrition

Eating a heart-healthy diet is always important for your health, but it can be especially valuable during stroke recovery. Heart-healthy foods are also foods that are good for your brain since they can help manage stroke risk factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol and weight. Plus, a healthy diet can help prevent pressure injuries.

Start by watching portion sizes and eating a variety of foods, focusing on fruits and vegetables in a variety of colors, lean proteins and whole grains. Limit unhealthy fats (such as fried foods), salt and added sugar. Your care team can provide additional nutrition recommendations or refer you to a registered dietitian for help.

Working toward independence and top performance

Each person’s recovery is different, but with the right support and resources, it’s possible to improve your quality of life and level of independence.

A rehab specialist encourages a stroke patient doing exercises with a kettlebell.

Managing your health to prevent future strokes

Having a stroke increases your risk of having another stroke, especially within the first year. Managing health conditions and making healthy choices decreases your risk.

Stroke clinical trials

A clinical trial is the way that researchers test whether a medical treatment could be a helpful option for a certain group of people – for example, those recovering from a stroke.

If you’re interested in new or experimental treatments, talk to your neurologist. The HealthPartners institute regularly participates in neuroscience clinical trials. You can also view a list of active stroke clinical trials on clinicaltrials.gov .

Support for caregivers

Being a caregiver can be very challenging and stressful but can also be very rewarding. If you’re supporting a family member during stroke recovery, it’s important to make sure that you take care of your needs as well – so your physical and mental health doesn’t suffer.

More stroke resources

Local and national organizations are also great resources during stroke recovery.