Rehabilitation from Stroke - A Role for Rotary?

Bob Slater gave us one of his typically oh-so-well-prepared presentations – this time relating to the role he sees for Rotarians to play in the realm of Rehabilitation after Stroke.

Bob explained that there are many bodies that play a role in providing services to those who suffer a stroke.  For example, hospitals typically treat patients well, but the hospital doctors are unable to advise patients about “what will happen when I leave here” – because that is the responsibility of a more diverse range of social services. 

At another level, research and immediate treatment are supported by the National Stroke Foundation; but assistance to recent stroke sufferers is supported by the Victorian Stroke Association. 

So, Bob sees a possible role for Rotary volunteers to be trained to provide advice to sufferers about what services (during rehabilitation) can be provided by what providers.  In other words, (in my words), to help an individual sufferer to cross the gulf between the cosseting of the hospital and the buffeting of the outside world.

If anyone can move and shake, cajole and manipulate, to bring about a change as desirable as this, Bob is surely the one who should be leading.  Let’s hope that Bob’s leadership does, indeed, bring about a long lasting improvement to the lot of those who are recovering from stroke.