How to Get Free Stuff for Stroke Victims (25 Best Ways & Sources)

Getting free stuff for Stroke victims isn’t that hard if you know what to do and where to look.

This article shows some of the best ways and tips for getting completely free stuff for Stroke victims.

 

Importance

Benjamin Franklin, one of the architects of our great nation, is famous in American history for several things.

Some of those important historical moments for his being famous include:

• Helping to draft the Declaration of Independence
• Represented the United States in France during the American Revolution
• A delegate to the Constitutional Convention
• Famous for penning Poor Richard’s Almanac
• Flying a kite in a thunderstorm

Another important action that Benjamin Franklin was involved with was the formation of the Union Fire Company in Philadelphia in 1736.

It is historically reported that Franklin wanted firefighting organizations to be developed in cities to battle fires regardless of whose property was burning.

It was during this time that his famous quote came into being which stated, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

This is sound advice in many matters today that we can take to heart and implement.

For example, maintenance on our household appliances, preventative maintenance on our automobiles and trucks, etc.

Another critical action that we can take by utilizing an ounce of prevention rather than concentrating on the cure is our health.

As it relates to our health, let us take a look at the devastating medical challenge faced by stroke victims and ways that they can work through the process of recovering, and items that are available for them to help them in that process.

 

25 Best Ways & Sources for Getting Free Stuff for Stroke Victims

 

1. Know all about Strokes

The basic medical definition of a stroke is that particular condition or situation where the reign of the individual becomes deprived of their blood supply.

This deprivation of the blood supply can be due to an artery that ruptures or becomes obstructed.

With the obstruction of the blood flow to the brain, the brain tissue begins to die.

Subsequently, this affects the various parts of the body that are controlled by that part of the brain.

There are two types of strokes.

One type of stroke is known as ischemic stroke which involves blood clots.

The other type of stroke is known as the hemorrhagic stroke which involves bleeding within the brain.

 

2. Prevention

According to the Stroke Recovery Foundation, 80% of strokes are preventable.

Some of those prevention measures can include:

• Having an annual physical
• Control blood pressure
• Reduce weight
• Exercise
• Stop smoking if a smoker
• And more

 

3. Symptoms

These symptoms of a stroke can include:

• Headache
• Vomiting
• Difficulty walking
• Dizziness
• Patient numbness
• Numbness in extremities
• Vision difficulties
• Face droopiness
• Weakness in the arm

 

4. Causes

One of the significant factors that can cause a stroke is high blood pressure.

When the blood pressure is elevated there is a greater force placed upon the blood vessels which in turn may cause these smaller blood vessels to rupture which can result in a hemorrhagic stroke.

Another potential cause of a stroke is the medical condition of diabetes.

Diabetes can also adversely affect the blood pressure of an individual

One other significant factor that can lead to a stroke is if the individual is obese.

Obesity can again lead to the development of diabetes and high blood pressure which adversely affects the flow of the blood throughout the body.

 

5. Recovery

Following a stroke, the affected individual often begins a rehabilitation process within two days.

The rehabilitation treatment not only helps the individual to work towards recovery from the stroke and its effects on the body but also to help possibly prevent another episode.

The recovery process is different for each individual and may take different lengths of time for people to recover.

Unfortunately, an individual who has suffered from a stroke might never fully recover and continue to need to work through particular disabilities.

 

6. Social Security

One of the major resources that provide benefits to a stroke victim is the SSDI benefits.

SSDI stands for Social Security Disability Insurance and involves the possibility of receiving financial help.

These benefits, if approved, are provided every month and can be awarded in instances where a severe stroke has occurred.

 

7. Blue Book

When you apply for financial help as a stroke victim the Social Security Administration is governed by a medical guide that is called the Blue Book.

The benefits are listed under section 11.04.

 

8. Process

To successfully apply for this benefit you need to provide sufficient evidence that shows that you qualify.

The medical evidence or the documentation that needs to be provided includes your full medical history, examination findings, and the opinions of various experts as it relates to your medical situation.

In particular, a doctor who is a neurologist and specializes in strokes needs to provide documentation and your prognosis.

 

9. Lawyer

The sad reality is that upon initial application, the claims filed are initially denied at a level of 70%.

The potential of initially being denied is not because of your medical condition but the lack of supporting documentation to bolster your case.

Therefore, it may be important to hire a lawyer who specializes in Social Security disability claims.

A lawyer can help you with your application, present your arguments in the best possible way to the Social Security Administration and indicate the full and severe impact that the condition has been on your life.

If the attorney is successful on your behalf and you are awarded benefits there is still a waiting period of six months before your physical realizes the benefits.

 

10. Medical Eligibility

In the Blue Book, under the listing of 11.04, the disability is referred to as vascular insult to the brain.

To be medically eligible for benefits, you have to have one of the following symptoms for three months after suffering a stroke.

Those symptoms include:

• Inability to write or speak
• Inability to control the movement of at least two extremities
• Marked physical problems as it relates to thinking, interacting, and finishing tasks.

 

11. Medical Vocational Allowance

Another option, if your claim is denied and it is shown that you do not qualify, there is the option of a medical vocational allowance.

This allowance takes into consideration some other factors.

Those factors include:

• Your age
• Medical conditions
• Work history
• Educational background
• Skills

 

12. RFC (Residual Functional Capacity)

To complete this claim for the medical vocational allowance, you would need to provide an RFC or Residual Functional Capacity.

This documentation specifies any limitations or inabilities based on your medical condition.

Also, this documentation should reflect your ability to stand and for how long, whether you can walk, the capacity to carry things, and if you can lift, squat, or bend.

 

13. National Stroke Association

A resource for stroke victims is the National Stroke Association.

Through this site valuable resource information is provided which includes working through the insurance maze, the possibility of Social Security benefits, minimizing the cost of prescription drugs, and making rehabilitation decisions.

The site also offers critical information regarding the navigation of working through the healthcare options.

 

14. Care for Caregivers

Through the National Stroke Association, there is an understanding of the importance of caregivers in a stroke victim’s life.

In addition to understanding the importance of the family caregiver is the realization that it also can take its toll and creates stress and strain on that caregiver.

Therefore, the American Stroke Association has a mental health expert that stands ready to assist as needed through phone counseling.

Also, they offer, at no cost, a Caregiver’s Guide To Stroke.

 

15. Support Group

A special link is devoted to those who provide practical support in a caregiving role aiding those who have realized a stroke in their lives.

This particular link allows for the caregiver to enter their ZIP Code and search a specific radius to find a support group nearby of other caregivers and stroke victims.

Also See: Best Online Jobs for Medical Students to Make Money at Home

 

16. Stroke Family Warmline

Available to stroke survivors, family members, and caregivers is a resource is known as Stroke Family Warm Line.

By calling this number, the caller can talk to a team member who will provide helpful information, and support where possible or just be a listening air as to what is occurring in the family.

The Warm Line is available through the hours of 4:52 PM central standard time with the number being 1-888-4-STROKE or 1-888-478-7653.

 

17. Resource Library

One other feature of this website is the offering of critical information to increase one’s knowledge about all significant aspects of the medical issue of a stroke.

Some of those knowledge resources include:

• Learning about pediatric stroke
• Stroke treatments
• Rehabilitation options
• Resource for what a caregiver should know,
• Moving forward.

 

18. American Stroke Foundation

The American Stroke Foundation is an additional resource-rich website that addresses learning opportunities for the survivors of a stroke with the purpose being the stimulation of their emotional, physical and educational growth.

Another one of their action items is to address the environment for survivors of stroke that will provide a quality of life for not only the individual but the lives of the caregivers involved in working towards the recovery of the stroke victim.

 

19. The Stroke Foundation

The Stroke Foundation considers awarding grants to individuals who have survived the devastating effects of a stroke and are experiencing significant financial hardship.

The grant can be awarded to help cover any costs associated with occupational, physical, or speech therapy that is not addressed by the individual’s insurance company.

To be eligible for a grant, the individual must meet the following guidelines:

• 21 years of age or older
• Demonstrate financial hardship
• The depletion of health insurance benefits
• A personal statement
• Proof of diagnosis by professional medical staff
• The treatment plan in place for rehabilitation

An application form can be accessed at https://thestrokefoundationorg.stage.site/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Survivor-Fund-application-form.pdf.

Applications are reviewed twice a year.

Also See: How and Where to Get Free Stuff for Dialysis Patients.

 

20. Meals on Wheels

If the stroke victim is over 60 years old, a quality resource that is available and provides nutritional meals is the Meals on Wheels program.

It is estimated that the preparation of a meal can range anywhere from $6 to $7 to cook and deliver.

However, the meal is provided to the senior at no charge but a $3 suggested donation is recommended.

 

21. The Stroke Network

The Stroke Network offers a variety of resources for the stroke victim as well as family members and any caregivers.

By registering with this website, you can ask an expert about the medical condition of suffering from a stroke and know that all of the information you receive offers from experts who are licensed or board-certified.

There is no charge for this information provided.

Also, there is a financial assistance button on the website that you can click and find out about various financial assistance resources that may be available.

One of the quality pieces of information discovered on this website was at Ford Motor Company may provide up to $1000 on equipment on one of their vehicles to help with transportation needs.

For more information about this assistance, you can access https://www.mobilityworks.com/?creative&keyword=handicap%20accessible%20vans&matchtype=b&network=o&device=c.

 

22. Caregiver

Many family members put their life on hold to care for a loved one who has experiencing experienced the devastating effects of a stroke.

These individuals are dedicated, selfless, and caring individuals who also need to be cared for and appreciated.

At Caregiver.org the caregiver can see what resources and options are available for you as it relates to information, perhaps compensation, etc.

By going to this website, you can select your particular state of residence and see what may be available for you in your caregiving role.

 

23. Brain & Life

Brain & Life is a website that is devoted to everything about the brain.

In addition to providing a variety of resources as it relates to healthy living, brain science, discussion of various brain disorders, etc. it prints a magazine.

For those who have suffered from stroke or who are caregivers of stroke victims, the magazine is available to those individuals at no charge for the first year.

 

24. State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs

There are various medications that stroke victim needs to take to enhance their recovery process.

Often, the use of pharmaceuticals or medicine is sometimes expensive and the insurance available reaches its limitations.

Through State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs you may be able to research various programs and companies that may offer programs to help pay for prescriptions.

 

25. United Brain Association

United Brain Association is another resource website in which an individual or caregiver can learn more about the medical condition of suffering a stroke and its aftermath.

Some of the topics include the important role of genetics, treatment, the progression of the disability, how to prevent it, caregiver tips, brain science, and research.

 

Personal Story

The waiting time in emergency rooms can be excruciatingly long.

However, on two separate occasions, there was a sense of medical urgency and the treatment was expedited involving two medical conditions recently experienced within my immediate family.

The first episode was a heart attack that I experienced and it seemed that all of the medical professionals hovered around me as they prepared me for surgery to take care of the blockage and take medical action to alleviate my pain and distress and remove the blockage of one of my coronary arteries.

The other expedited medical service that we received is when I noticed that the left side of my wife’s face was drooping.

Immediately I thought that she was in the process of having a stroke and so I called the ambulance to transport her to the hospital.

Emergency personnel ushered my wife into a separate treatment room where she was attended to by many technicians, medical professionals, doctors, etc.

Additionally, a teleconference option was exercised in which the staff sought the experience and knowledge of a specialist.

I was impressed with the care that she received and the involvement of all of the concerned medical staff.

The eventual diagnosis was not a stroke.

All that to say is the severity of some of our medical conditions can be life-threatening and the quicker the actions of treatment that can be implemented the more positive the prognosis can be.

Having a stroke or demonstrating symptoms that simulate a stroke can be one of those situations.

 

Freebies for Stroke Victims FAQs

 

What Are Some Devastating Facts About Strokes?

According to United Brain Association some devastating facts about strokes include:

• Every 40 seconds someone has a stroke in the United States
• Close to 800,000 strokes occur in the United States each year
• A stroke is the fifth leading cause of death
• 80% of strokes are a result of blood flow blockage
• 20% of strokes occur when an artery ruptures

 

Are Certain Segments of the Population More Prone to Strokes Than Others?

Generally speaking, those more at risk of experiencing a stroke include:

• People 55 years of age or older
• African Americans and Hispanics have a higher risk
• Men over women

This information is reported at https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/who-is-most-at-risk-for-a-stroke

 

You Can Do It

If you have suffered a stroke, or know of someone who has suffered a stroke or are a caregiver please be assured of our prayers.

No one needs to tell you that this is an extreme medical condition and requires rehabilitation.

However, you are strong and determined and along with these available resources, you can make a powerful and concerted effort to regain your life and continue to be an inspiration to others.

 

Conclusion

The unfortunate reality of life is that it happens and some of the happenings can be deemed as negative in our lives.

As it relates to experiencing a stroke or being part of someone’s life that has experienced this medical condition, words of encouragement and comfort can only go so far.

It is important that in addition to words of encouragement practical assistance is needed as well.

Practical assistance can be made available to increase your knowledge and offer practical assistance as part of the rehabilitation recovery process.