More Canadians are surviving strokes – and here’s why
As awareness grows around lifestyle risks and medical conditions linked to strokes, experts say early intervention is helping save lives.
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The Niagara District Stroke Centre is based at Niagara Falls Hospital and is the regional centre for stroke care in Niagara.
We provide information and care to:
- prevent a stroke
- treat stroke using best practice stroke care
- recover from a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)
- refer to rehabilitation
- connect patients back to the community
Multilingual Patient and Family Education Resources
Get information to help answer questions you or a loved one may have about Stroke Care.
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My Stroke Recovery Journey Map
My Journey Map helps you track the progress of recovery by keeping a record of appointments, treatments and milestones. It offers valuable insights as you and your loved one move forward after a stroke.
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What to Expect During Stroke Care
Our hospital is equipped with a specialized Stroke Centre, staffed with experts trained to manage stroke patients from the moment they arrive. The following areas are part of your care journey:
Stroke Prevention Clinic
The Stroke Prevention Clinic helps lower the risk of stroke through specialized care. We offer thorough assessments and create personalized care plans for people who may be at higher risk for stroke. Our team includes:
- Neurologists
- Rehabilitation specialists
- Other healthcare professionals
They will work with you to help prevent future strokes. If you are a primary care provider, please refer patients using the Referral Form.
Acute Stroke Unit (ASU) Care
After initial treatment, patients may be transferred to the ASU for specialized care, including receiving treatment and rehabilitation to aid in their recovery. Patients receive care from a specially trained stroke team. This team includes doctors, nurses, and therapists who work together to assess and treat stroke in the early stages.
You may have questions about where you will go, how long your stay might be, and what to expect in your recovery. Your healthcare team will guide you through this journey – including working with you to assess your progress, plan rehabilitation and monitor your neurological recovery.
Stroke Rehabilitation and Outpatient Services
After a stroke, patients may transition to potential community services for their stroke recovery journey:
- Inpatient rehabilitation at Hotel Dieu Shaver
- Outpatient rehabilitation at Hotel Dieu Shaver
- Home with support services from Ontario Health @Home
- Referrals to outpatient rehab can be made through the Stroke Care Program’s Rapid Referral Clinic.
Emergency Department (ED)
If you suspect a stroke, call 911 immediately to start the emergency care process. Your immediate treatment begins at the ED. We provide emergency stroke assessments at Niagara Health and across the region. You will be assessed, and diagnostic tests may be performed to determine the type of stroke. Our team quickly checks symptoms and starts treatment right away to improve outcomes.
Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
If necessary, you may be admitted for close monitoring of your condition. ICUs are used for critical monitoring and intensive treatment.
Acute Stroke Unit (ASU)
After initial treatment, patients may be transferred to the ASU for specialized care, including receiving treatment and rehabilitation to aid in their recovery.
You may have questions about where you will go, how long your stay might be, and what to expect in your recovery. Your healthcare team will guide you through this journey, including working with you to assess your progress, plan rehabilitation and monitor your neurological recovery.
How will this help my loved one?
Once your loved one is in the hospital, we understand that recovery can be overwhelming. We are here to support both the patient and their family throughout the recovery journey. Our medical and rehabilitation teams are dedicated to maximizing recovery potential through targeted treatments.
How do we recover and stay safe at home?
After discharge, we provide resources on maintaining safety and improving quality of life at home, including rehabilitation exercises and lifestyle changes.
Connecting to Community Support
We encourage patients and their families to engage with community resources to aid in recovery. This includes connecting with organizations like Survivors of Stroke (SOS) and the Central South Regional Stroke Network.
About Our Stroke Care Team
As a patient or family member, you will meet many professionals on your healthcare journey. Our team will work closely with you, your family and friends in order to provide individualized care that meets your goals for health.
Our goal as members of your healthcare team is to help you manage your health and meet your stroke recovery goals.
Some members of our team include:
- Neurologist
- Nurse Practitioner
- Nursing staff in the ED, ICU and Acute Stroke Unit
- Occupational Therapist/Physiotherapist
- Speech Language Pathologist
- Nurse Stroke Specialist
- Dietician
- Social Worker
- Discharge Planner
Stroke Research Opportunities/Recruitment
At Niagara Falls Hospital, we are dedicated to advancing the science of stroke care. We are actively involved in cutting-edge research aimed at improving stroke prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. Learn about ongoing research projects and how we’re working toward a future where stroke outcomes are even better.
Local research participation opportunities for Niagara residents
Niagara Health launched the Neurology and Stroke Research program in 2023 after being chosen by Accelerating Clinical Trials (ACT) Canada Consortium, as 1 of 20 community hospitals in Canada, to receive 3 years of funding for clinical research.
Dr. Danielle de Sa Boasquevisque, Stroke Neurologist, Physician Lead and Principal Investigator for Niagara Health’s Neurology and Stroke Research program, has been instrumental in initiating access for Niagara residents to participate in research.
The entire Niagara Health Stroke Neurology Research team is excited to collaborate with the community on enrollment in suitable studies.
Healthcare providers with patients who may be eligible or patients interested in participating in stroke and neurology research at Niagara Health are asked to contact the GNG Stroke Program.
Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Team
During your hospital visit, feel free to ask questions to better understand your treatment plan. Consider asking about:- What type of stroke did I have?
- What treatment options are available?
- How will the hospital team support my recovery?
- What kind of rehabilitation or therapy should I expect?
- How long will my recovery process take?
- How can I prevent another stroke in the future?
Your Stroke Journey Map will help patients navigate through the system of stroke care.
Lived Experience
Read inspiring stories from stroke survivors who have experienced recovery and hope after their stroke. Their journeys highlight the importance of swift treatment, rehabilitation, and the ongoing support of family and healthcare teams.
Hospital Spotlight: Stroke survivor’s recovery showcases fierce spirit and impact of care
The timely care Jack Gill received when he suffered a stroke in January helped put him on track for recovery while demonstrating Niagara Health’s provincial leadership in stroke care.
Grateful for prompt medical care after suffering stroke
'I’m fortunate I took the steps to get to the hospital as quickly as I did, recognizing what it might be'
Community Resource Links
Health Line: Stroke Services Directory
For additional stroke services, support groups and resources, consult the 211 Stroke Services Directory. This guide provides comprehensive information about community services available to stroke patients and their families.
Hotel Dieu Shaver
Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre is a specialty rehabilitation and complex care hospital offering both inpatient and outpatient programs, located in St. Catharines, Ontario.
Learn more at hoteldieushaver.org
Survivors of Stroke Niagara
Survivors of Stroke Niagara is a peer support group for stroke survivors, their caregivers and families. It is led by volunteers with lived experience and provides a safe and welcoming space for members to support one another.
Learn more at survivorsofstrokeniagara.com
Extraordinary Caring. Every Person. Every Time.
