The purpose of the study is to gather information from the participants in the study with regards to what services they need in the community, the strengthening of supportive relationships within the family & community. It is family focused and client-centered approach.

There will be an intake interview done at your home to give you an idea of what the study is about, but here is a brief overview.

Twice a week (Mon & Thurs from 10am-1pm) both participants will be attending exercise and client-centered support groups concurrently (at same time). There is also an option of having couple counselling on relationship issues using Emotion focused therapy in order to help strengthen relationship bonds, but it is not required.

In the client centered support groups, participants can indicate the issues that concern them with regards to support in the community. The sessions will be tailored around what the participants consider important to them (i.e. financial issues, legal issues, home support resources, anger management). There will be a social worker, who will conduct the weekly groups, available to access (in person, by phone or e-mail) throughout the length of the study.

In the exercise groups, the participants who are caregivers will be working with an exercise therapist. The participants who have had a stroke will be working with an exercise therapist and a physiotherapist. There will be a few volunteers to help with the sessions as an aid to the exercise and physiotherapists only.

There will be a need to get a physician’s letter to ensure that you can participate in the exercise program. There will be assessments done in order to help with the study.