Stroke Navigation is a service which aims to assist individual who have had a stroke to adjust to life back in the community.  Stroke Navigation is focused on helping individuals to improve their participation in everyday activities such as daily tasks, recreation, and socialization. A stroke navigation session is facilitated by a “Stroke Navigator” whose role is to help their clients navigate the health, social, and community systems in order to assist in recovery. A stroke navigator will also help clients to set recovery goals, to access community resources and services, and to evaluate their progress. Our model focuses on patient empowerment and patient centered care. We work collaboratively with clients to develop recovery goals and action plans which best suit their needs.

No – While your health care professional may recommend Stroke Navigation to you and make a referral on your behalf, it is not necessary for accessing this service.

We do take self-referrals. If you think you could benefit from Stroke Navigation, you can book an appointment by calling (1-506-634-1620) or e-mailing us at info@hsf.nb.ca.

No – Stroke Navigation is a FREE program available to any individual who has had a stroke and is seeking assistance to readjust to life back in the community.

During the first session your Stroke Navigator will conduct an initial assessment of your community reintegration needs. Together, you will determine your priority areas and develop a goal-based plan. In each follow-up session, you will review these goals, access new resources, and be provided with important educational information for managing your condition.

You may choose to see a Stroke Navigator or your own, or you may choose to bring someone with you for these sessions (ex: spouse, sibling, child, etc).

Currently, our Stroke Navigators are located in Saint John and Moncton. Those who wish to access Stroke Navigation in person can do so at either of these offices. However, those who do not wish to travel or who are unable to, may still access Stroke Navigation by either telephone or videoconference.

You may continue to see a Stroke Navigator for up to one year. On the day of your last session, you and your Stroke Navigator will review the progress you made and reassess where you are in your recovery.

They will then help you to develop new goals for managing your condition on your own.

However, not all individuals will see a Stroke Navigator for a full year. The Stroke Navigator will work with their client to make the transition away from Stroke Navigation when they are ready.

Individuals who have had a Stroke in the past 12 months and who are living back in the community are the primary group that this service is intended for. There are no age requirements to this program.

If you do not meet these criteria, but still feel as though you may benefit from our program, you may still reach out to discuss if Stroke Navigation is right for you.

Stroke Navigation Services can benefit individuals in many ways. Some of the ways you may benefit are:

• Improved confidence in managing the effects of stroke

• A feeling of increased support to help navigate the health care, social, and community systems post-stroke

• Access to education and strategies for living with stroke

• An increase in assistance for patients, families, and caregivers with an evolving care plan and regular follow-up assessments.

• Access to strategies to maintain, enhance, and develop social support post-stroke

• Assistance with re-engagement in desired vocational and recreational activities.

• Knowledge regarding community resources and how to access this information

While participating in Stroke Navigation is generally considered as being minimal risk. It is important to consider the following:

• In order to get the most out this program, the Stroke Navigation process may require a level of openness and honesty between the Stroke Navigator and client that may be uncomfortable for some people. Topics may potentially be brought up which are sensitive in nature

• Through the process of Stroke Navigation, you may need to confront difficult and/or uncomfortable truths regarding possible limitations post-stroke.

No – you are not required to bring anything with you. However, some individuals might find it helpful to bring the following.

• A notebook and pen to take notes

• Any information about the history of the stroke

• Current prescriptions