For many of us, the first time learning about stroke is after one has already happened. And when you’re trying to understand all the complexities, while dealing with doctors and insurance and the day-to-day obligations of life, it can be hard to see a way forward – whether you’re a caregiver, or just experienced a stroke yourself.
Today, we’ll get to hear from two guests whose individual stroke experiences allow them to speak uniquely about both sides of the stroke journey, as a survivor and as a caregiver.
David Dansereau is a licensed physical therapist, clinical PT consultant and stroke survivor. His stroke came after he’d already established himself in the physical therapy world – so he’ll be sharing his insights on stroke recovery from the remarkable perspective of a professional with lived experience.
Michael Garrow, on the other hand, grew up as a caregiver to his mother, who had a stroke at 28. He’ll share what he’s learned over his decades of caregiving, including how to optimize the caregiver-survivor relationship, how to navigate all the obstacles that arise once in-home care begins and ways to make the recovery easier both for yourself and your stroke survivor.
In This Episode
(03:28) David’s story
(06:20) How experiencing a stroke changed David’s approach to caring for his stroke patients as a physical therapist
(08:22) David’s stroke journey and recovery
(12:11) The biggest recovery challenge David still faces
(14:32) Michael’s background, and how he connected with David
(19:57) The unique challenges faced by stroke caregivers
(25:21) Michael’s advice for physical therapists preparing caregivers for their new role
(28:12) “The future of stroke recovery is in the home”
(30:20) Michael’s experience as a stroke caregiver for his mother
(36:01) The future of the Know Stroke podcast
Our Guests
Michael Garrow is a Digital Product Manager with CVS Health, and a co-host on the Know Stroke podcast. Michael grew up caregiving for his mother, who experienced a stroke at 28.
David Dansereau is a licensed physical therapist, nutritionist, clinical PT consultant and stroke survivor. He is also the founder of Know-Stroke.org, and a co-host on the Know Stroke podcast.
Resources & Links
Henry Hoffman on LinkedIn
Pete Durand on LinkedIn
Health Unmuted
Know Stroke Podcast on Apple Podcasts
https://www.facebook.com/knowstrokeorg/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/knowstrokepodcast/
https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/know-stroke
https://www.instagram.com/knowstroke/
https://twitter.com/KnowStroke_Pod
