“Look at me now. It is amazing.” exploring the stroke and rehabilitation experiences of older adults with chronic stroke living in Thunder Bay

Abstract

Introduction: As stroke continues to be the leading cause of adult disability, understanding the rehabilitative needs of those affected is essential to ensure they are receiving proper care to reach their own sense of independence. This is particularly important for those living in cities such as Thunder Bay where there is a lack of resources and services. As seen in the literature, mainly quantitative measures have been used to gather information about stroke survivors’ experiences. Through a qualitative lens, only surveys have been used; therefore, using semi-structured interviews allows participants to share their experiences by being able to expand on their thoughts. As there has been little research in Thunder Bay regarding stroke survivors’ experiences, there is a need to speak with these individuals to fill this gap in the literature.