news
Stroke of good fortune
New research grants to focus on the carers
of stroke survivors.
A
ustralian researchers will tackle communication between
stroke survivors and carers, develop technology that can
help in recovery and help to alleviate the emotional strain
on loved ones, thanks to a new round of grants.
The Stroke Foundation 2020 Research Grant Round has seen
four projects share $200,000 in funding.
Stroke Foundation Research Advisory Committee chair
Professor Amanda Thrift said this year the group specifically
focused on improving stroke survivor’s quality of life by better
supporting carers.
“One in four of us will experience a stroke in our lifetime
and it will leave most who survive it with an ongoing disability,”
Thrift said.
“The majority of those who survive stroke will return home, with
care needs falling on their parents, spouse, children or siblings.
“The sudden and abrupt nature of stroke places huge demands
on family members and can come at a personal cost to the carer.”
The four recipients were:
• Dr Kirstine Shrubsole, of Southern Cross University, who will
lead a study focused on increasing the number of speech
pathologists who teach carers how to better understand and
support loved ones with the communication disorder aphasia.
• Dr Elizabeth Lynch, of the University of Adelaide, for a research
project aimed at curbing the emotional strain on carers after a
loved one has a stroke.
• Dr Joosup Kim, of Monash University, who will investigate
whether patients with stroke are getting the treatment and
support they need to live well once they leave hospital.
• Emily Ramage, of the University of Newcastle, who will
roll out technology at home that allows survivors to
access an exercise and diet program aimed at preventing a
secondary stroke. ■
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AMH Aged Care Companion available now in print or online.
Go to www.amh.net.au for more information.
agedcareinsite.com.au
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