Guidance, resources and community for caregivers

Caring for a stroke survivor can be one of life’s most unexpected and challenging roles. At Circle of Rights, we recognize the physical, emotional, and logistical burdens caregivers often shoulder. Whether you’re a spouse, family member, or friend, you are not alone. This page offers essential information, tools, and trusted resources to help you care for your loved one and yourself.

Getting Started: Your Role Matters

The first days and weeks after a stroke can feel overwhelming. You may be making urgent medical decisions, learning new care routines, and facing unfamiliar emotional terrain. Take a breath. Your support is vital to recovery, and there are trusted resources to help you every step of the way.

Emotional Support & Mental Health

Adjusting to caregiving often involves grief, stress, and fear. Your emotional health matters too.

  • Normalize your feelings. From anxiety to anger, what you’re feeling is valid.
  • Talk to someone. Join a caregiver support group or seek counseling.
  • Build a care network. Don’t try to do it alone. Share responsibilities with friends and family.
  • Connect with others:

Read: Maintaining Health and Well-Being as a Caregiver

Navigating the Health Care System

As a caregiver, you’re often a voice and advocate for your loved one in medical settings.

  • Ask questions: What kind of stroke occurred? What are the risk factors and long-term effects?
  • Create a medication chart and emergency folder with medical info and documents
  • Understand your loved one’s rehab plan and how you can support it
  • Prepare the home for return. Ask your care team for suggestions

Read: The Essential Guide for Navigating Health Care System for Family Caregivers

Understanding Stroke Effects

Stroke can impact speech, memory, behavior, and mobility. Effects differ by stroke type and brain region affected.

Legal & Financial Navigation

Caregivers often manage insurance, paperwork, and long-term financial planning.

  • Collect and Organize: power of attorney, living will, HIPAA forms, insurance cards
  • Know your rights and benefits, including Social Security Disability and Medicare
  • Access financial help:

Quick Tips for Long-Term Caregiving

Adapted from 15 Things Caregivers Should Know After a Loved One Has Had a Stroke

  1. Recovery is unpredictable. Progress may come slowly.
  2. Take care of your own health. Rest, nutrition, and exercise matter.
  3. Learn the warning signs of stroke to prevent a second one.
  4. Don’t neglect your emotional and spiritual needs.
  5. Ask for help and accept it!
  6. Stay organized! A binder or an app can help.
  7. Plan ahead for financial and legal concerns.
  8. Join a support group to avoid isolation.
  9. Identify and respect your own limits.
  10. Advocate for rehabilitation, even beyond the hospital.
  11. Encourage independence but offer support.
  12. Educate others in the family about stroke.
  13. Prepare for behavioral or cognitive changes.
  14. Celebrate small victories.
  15. Remember, you are not alone.

Take Care of Yourself

Self-care is part of being a sustainable caregiver!

  • Move your body regularly
  • Enjoy a hobby or moment of quiet each day
  • Journal or express your emotions creatively
  • Seek respite care when needed (Find respite)
  • Set boundaries and say no when necessary

What is caregiver burnout?

Caregiver burnout is caused by long-term stress that can affect your physical, emotional and mental well-being. You become overwhelmed trying to meet the constant demands of your caregiving role. It can have a negative effect on how you care for yourself and your loved one. 

Many caregivers don’t take time to care for themselves and begin showing signs of caregiver burnout. Your health and well-being benefit your loved one just as they benefit you.

Learn the signs of caregiver burnout and seek help if you have them.

All Resources: