An article by Stroke Connection Magazine.

Of course, like all caregivers, Charlotte Layton had her on experience of stroke survival, which she sometimes shares during interviews. Her advice to caregivers is to get information. “Learn all you can to understand your new situation in life. Deal with each day as it comes. Sometimes it may be hour by hour. Remember, you are not alone and your situation is not unique. There are people who want to help. Call on them, whether it’s healthcare professionals, friends or family. Prayer helps too. And start a journal as soon as possible!”

She suggests six ways to use a journal:
1. Write down the time and dates of doctor visits. A written record will provide you with some organization for your questions and concerns. Doctors will ask if you have any questions, so be prepared – keep your questions in your journal and make notes of how the doctor answered.
2. A journal also helps you keep up with important information, like medical descriptions and prognosis, as well as notes to yourself. It becomes an ongoing to-do list.
3. Keep billing updates in the journal where you can easily review them. This provides you with additional information as well as helps you stay on top of the financial side of the hospitalization.
4. Make notes of meetings with the benefits/insurance specialists. Many of the decisions about care are made here, so it helps to learn the terminology of the condition.
5. Use your journal to keep a record of the calls, cards and visits you have received. This is helpful when sending updates to family and friends. E-mailing progress reports in a group e-mail will save repeating updates by phone.
6. Record any and all improvements in your survivor’s condition. This is a good reminder to both patient and caregiver of progress, and it can serve as motivation when progress seems to have reached a plateau. It can also come in handy when talking to your insurance company about continuing therapy.

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