EMPOWERING STROKE SURVIVORS

ARCADIA HOMES INTERNATIONAL

The project aims to address the multifaceted needs of stroke patients and survivors by providing essential services including medication, food assistance, and educational support for children, shelter and housing support and access to assistive devices. In addition to direct support services, the project emphasizes the importance of community sensitization efforts aimed at raising awareness about stroke prevention, recognition of symptoms, and the importance of timely medical intervention. By fostering a deeper understanding of stroke within local communities, the program seeks to reduce stigma, improve early detection, and enhance overall healthcare outcomes for stroke survivors. Furthermore, the project incorporates income-generating activities designed to empower families affected by stroke, fostering economic resilience and self-sustainability. By providing opportunities for livelihood enhancement, the project aims to alleviate financial burdens associated with stroke rehabilitation and long-term care. Through a collaborative approach involving healthcare professionals, community leaders, and stakeholders, this project seeks to create a supportive ecosystem conducive to the recovery and well-being of stroke survivors. By addressing both immediate needs and long-term sustainability, the program endeavors to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals and families affected by stroke in the target region.

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has the highest stroke burden globally with a steadily increasing incidence estimated at 316 cases per 100,000 persons. Stroke in SSA occurs in relatively young, adults and the old patients and tends to be severe due to uncontrolled risk factors; resulting in high personal and societal costs and significant disability

Through a multi-faceted approach encompassing healthcare assistance, nutritional support, educational opportunities, provision of assistive devices, community awareness initiatives, and income-generating activities, we aim to alleviate the burdens faced by stroke survivors and empower them to lead fulfilling lives despite their health condition. By addressing the unique needs of stroke patients and survivors holistically, we aspire to contribute to their rehabilitation, social integration, and overall well-being, thereby fostering healthier and more resilient communities in the western counties of Kenya.

We serve and target the stroke patients whose number keeps on increasing. In Kenya, it is a neglected condition with a paucity of evidence despite its need for urgent care and hefty economic burden. It's a devastating medical event that has changed many lives not only the patients but also the family members. The severity varies and some stroke survivors experience milder post- event symptoms than others, however, for many, intensive assistance is required for life.

Their access to essential support services for stroke patients and survivors in these regions remains limited, exacerbating the already daunting challenges they face. Recognizing this pressing need, our intervention endeavors to bridge this gap by providing comprehensive support to stroke patients and survivors. 

We a have a team of 10 staff covering three counties of Western Kenya i.e Bungoma, Busia and Kakamega. We currently have fifty three (53) on board with a desire to grow to two hundred (200) patients by the end of these year. through our community sensitization program, we have managed to reach out to over one thousand (1000) people. We have partnered with over ten (10) healthcare facilities where we refer most of these patients for medication. The patients on boarded, we have seen a tremendous change in their daily lives. Their families lives have been touched immensely.

In Kenya, stroke is a neglected condition with a paucity of evidence despite its need for urgent care and hefty economic burden.

Arcadia homes was founded with a vision of “a Kenya where stroke is prevented, survivors are empowered and the impact of stroke is minimized through education, advocacy and home rehabilitation.”

We currently work under minimal budgets. We are yet to have a donor or any other financier. We operate with our little savings to touch these lives. For us to realize our vision, we believe securing this prize will enable us reach out to more patients

As the team a leader I have worked with the community for over ten years as a Nutritionist and a health promoter. I stay within the community full of these challenges. I was raised in the same community that I am working with. our team comprises nurses, social workers and community health workers. our passion for humanity drives us closer to the stroke patients. We have chosen the path of carrying their burden. Walking with them through this tough journey of stroke. We have been their strong support pillar that gives them hope of overcoming and going through this burdensome condition.

Objective

Activities

1. Medication and Healthcare Support for Stroke Patients

- Establish a comprehensive healthcare program tailored to the needs of stroke patients.

- Provide access to essential medications, therapies, and rehabilitation services.

- Ensure regular medical check-ups and monitoring to track progress and address any emerging issues.

- Collaborate with healthcare professionals to develop personalized treatment plans for each patient.

2. Access to Nutritious Food for Patients and Their Families

- Partner with local food suppliers and nutritionists to ensure access to a balanced diet for stroke patients and their families.

- Establish food distribution centers or vouchers for nutritious groceries.

- Conduct nutrition education sessions to promote healthy eating habits and empower families to make informed food choices.

3. Education Support for Children of Stroke Survivors

- Develop educational programs specifically designed to support children whose parents have suffered from strokes.

- Offer counseling services to help children cope with the emotional and practical challenges they may face.

- Provide scholarships or financial assistance for educational expenses, ensuring that children of stroke survivors have access to quality education.

4.Shelter support for stroke survivors and their family

-Map out needs and implement a cost effective housing program

5. Distribution of Assistive Devices

- Identify the specific needs of stroke survivors in terms of assistive devices for mobility and daily living activities.

- Procure and distribute wheelchairs, walking aids, communication devices, and other assistive technologies.

- Provide training and support on the use of these devices to maximize their effectiveness and ensure safety.

6. Community Sensitization Programs on lifestyle diseases and need for early screening.

- Develop and implement community outreach programs to raise awareness about stroke prevention and management.

- Organize seminars, workshops, and awareness campaigns in collaboration with local healthcare providers and community leaders.

- Distribute educational materials and resources to disseminate accurate information about stroke risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options.

7. Implementation of Income-Generating Activities

- Identify income-generating opportunities suitable for stroke survivors and their families, considering their abilities and limitations.

- Provide training, resources, and mentorship to support the establishment of small businesses or income-generating projects.

- Foster collaboration with local businesses and organizations to create job opportunities or vocational training programs for stroke survivors seeking employment.

 

Stroke is a debilitating medical condition that not only affects individuals but also has profound impacts on their families and communities. In Kenya, like many other parts of the world, stroke is a significant health concern, contributing to disability, mortality, and socioeconomic burdens. Survivors of stroke often face multifaceted challenges, including physical disabilities, cognitive impairments, and emotional distress. Moreover, the aftermath of stroke can exert financial strains on families already grappling with limited resources.

Access to essential support services for stroke patients and survivors in these regions remains limited, exacerbating the already daunting challenges they face. Recognizing this pressing need, our proposal endeavors to bridge this gap by providing comprehensive support to stroke patients and survivors in the western counties. Through a multi-faceted approach encompassing healthcare assistance, nutritional support, educational opportunities, provision of assistive devices, community awareness initiatives, and income-generating activities, we aim to alleviate the burdens faced by stroke survivors and empower them to lead fulfilling lives despite their health condition. By addressing the unique needs of stroke patients and survivors holistically, we aspire to contribute to their rehabilitation, social integration, and overall well-being, thereby fostering healthier and more resilient communities in the western counties of Kenya.

6 full time

4 volunteers

two years

our team comprises of both male and female coming from diverse backgrounds, regions and ethnic groups. the team is multi disciplinary and of different ages. The team members have different experiences in their fields of operation. We came together through a common goal of passion for humanity.

Implementation of Income-Generating Activities

- Identify income-generating opportunities suitable for stroke survivors and their families, considering their abilities and limitations.

- Provide training, resources, and mentorship to support the establishment of small businesses or income-generating projects.

- Foster collaboration with local businesses and organizations to create job opportunities or vocational training programs for stroke survivors seeking employment.

We have been linking the patients to the health facilities. Through our savings; we have been able on board 53 patients but we are targeting to at least have 200 patients on board by the end of 2024. We have partnered with a few organizations where we support each other. One of the organizations gave us a space (office) then another organization gave us a vehicle that we are use to transport the patients from their homes to the hospital and back. the produce from our farms, we give some to these patients since some of them are incapacitated. Hopefully, when we get funding , we will expand and cover a wider area. We are planning to venture into agribusiness through which we will sustain ourselves financially.