Helpful Tools
The following tools will help you care for yourself and your loved one after the crisis of Stroke.
Problem-Solving Module
This problem-solving module includes all the key components of traditional, problem-solving interventions and can be summarized by the acronym COPE (Creativity, Optimism, Planning, and Expert Information). The goal of the module (and, this website) is to teach you how to improve your caregiving problem-solving skills.
- Click here to view the Caregiver Problem-Solving Module
- Click here to view the Problem-Solving Diary for Caregivers
Mood Management
Caring for a stroke survivor can bring out mixed emotions. This tool will help you cope with the daily stress of caregiving. You will learn how your mood, thoughts, and feelings are connected. This tool teaches you how to replace negative thoughts with positive thoughts.
Lifting and Transferring Techniques
This tool will help you learn step-by-step ways to safely lift and transfer your loved one. This tool covers Bed to Chair Transfers, Wheelchair to Car Transfers, assistive devices, and more.
Simple Ways to Relieve Stress
Anything that hurts our well-being is “stress.” Everyone has the power to lower stress in their lives. You do not need to use expensive treatments.. This tool teaches you simple ways to lower your stress. You will learn about Abdominal Breathing, Guided Imagery, Muscle Relaxation, and more.
Aphasia Card
Aphasia is the most common communication problem that affects stroke survivors. It can affect the survivor's ability to speak or understand what others are saying. Learn more about aphasia and other speech and communication problems.
This wallet-size Aphasia Card will help the stroke survivor in communicating their condition to others. This card explains what aphasia is and offers a helpful tip for communicating with the stroke survivor. There is a space on the back of the card for the caregiver's contact information in case of an emergency.
Download and Print in Color:
Download and Print in Black & White:
Medication Card
Keeping track of medicines is important for maintaining the stroke survivor's health. It can also prevent medication errors. Learn more about managing medicines.
This wallet-size Medication Card will help the stroke survivor keep an up-to-date list of their medicines with them at all times. In an emergency, having that information can help save your life.
Download and Print:
Family Records Organizer
Keeping information in one place is important to staying organized. You do not have to complete the form in one sitting. Finding your records takes some time. It does not have to look “pretty” – it just has to work for you. Make copies of this tool and give them to family members you trust.
Download and Print:
These materials were created for the project:
Web-Based Informational Materials for Caregivers of Veterans Post-Stroke
Project Number SDP 06-327 funded by VA HSR&D Quality Enhancement Research Initiative (QUERI);
Supported by the Stroke QUERI
