In 2002, Art & Frances Benson and Ed & Neva Anderson suggested the benefits of a Stroke Support Group for our community. Enthusiastic with their idea, Brenda Bohnenblust, speech language pathologist, began as coordinator of the group. For fourteen years, this group has met. Currently meeting the third Tuesday of every month from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the Ed Centers at the hospital, the members encourage one another in an atmosphere that fosters a hopeful and positive attitude after surviving this life changing event.
Survivors of stroke, family members and friends are encouraged to attend the meetings. Educational topics through guest speakers, member presentations, videos, game days, holiday parties and occasional field trips are provided. At each meeting, stroke survivors are encouraged to share their progress while facing the challenges in daily activities.
The Clay County Medical Center Stroke Support Group will display their artwork until June 24, 2016 in the dining room. Members contributing artwork and encouragement for the show include: Dennis Wright, Doris Callaway, Carolyn Merrit, JoAnn Wilgers, Sherrie Bulk, and Shirley Slump.
“We welcome survivors, family, and friends of stroke survivors,” said Brenda Bohnenblust, Speech-Language Pathologist. “We discuss coping strategies to meet the challenges of daily living. Stroke survivors are encouraged to share their talents and experiences. We look forward to more people joining us,” she added.
The benefits of the creative process are many in the healing following a stroke. Unfortunately, a stroke can leave the survivor with one side of the brain damaged and the opposite side of the body with physical deficits. The goal in art therapy is for the artist/patient to re-gain a sense of their ability to combine the physical motion with their thought. They can use their art to communicate physically what they cannot always say verbally. Motivation, fear, fatigue, physical deficits and the area of the brain affected by stroke can create barriers to resuming a person’s previous creative projects. It is through the act of creating and expressing that windows can be opened into emotions, thoughts and problem solving, providing a sense of control and increased self-esteem. From music to painting, quilting to drawing, gardening to storytelling, spending time with loved ones, life can be enjoyable.