Stroke Peer Visitor Program

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Through a partnership with the Richmond Chapter of Mended Hearts and the American Stroke Association, CJW offers the Stroke Peer Visitor Program. Founded in 1981, this program offers education and support for families who suddenly find themselves dealing with a stroke diagnosis. It pairs stroke survivors and caregivers with new survivors in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes and other community sites. Peer Visitors help families address the emotional and social aspects of surviving a stroke.

"It's rewarding to let other stroke
people know that climbing the
mountain is worth all the blood,
sweat and tears. We tell them
that their lives are needed. We
encourage their efforts and
embrace their fears. I've been
able to show myself, by showing
them, that the struggle is worth it
and there is life after stroke." 
--Judy Hopia, Stroke Survivor &
Program Co-Founder

The Peer Visitor Program Benefits for Stroke Survivors & Their Families

In addition to the emotional support a peer visitor provides, there is the practical support. Someone who has been in the trenches can provide information about Stroke support groups and has access to other sources of information about rehabilitation and the prevention of recurrent strokes. In addition, a peer visitor can be a vital communication link between healthcare professionals and survivors. For reliable stroke information, stroke victims and their families can call the American Stroke Association's Stroke Family Warmline (1-888-4STROKE), a free patient support service that helps families learn about stroke.

Peer Visitor Qualifications

A stroke survivor or caregiver

Successful completion of the Peer Visitor
Program training course

Desire to help others in an unselfish and caring
manner

Willingness to improve visiting skills

Willingness to be a team player and recognize
that visiting is a team effort.

Commitment to being personally responsible for
his or her health and well-being, thereby serving as
a positive example to others

If You are a Stroke Survivor or Caregiver, Please Consider Becoming a Volunteer Peer Visitor.

What makes this program work so well is our volunteers--the people who know what it's like and are willing to share their struggles and successes with new stroke victims. This is a very valuable community outreach that offers new victims proof, in the form of an actual person, that there is life after a stroke.

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What Peer Visitors Do...

• Visit for the benefit of the stroke family
• Respect the privacy, individuality and dignity of the stroke family
• Visit when feeling physically and emotionally well
• Respect the privacy, individuality and dignity of the stroke family
• Refer survivors and caregivers to social services when needed
• Appear positive, supportive, tactful, cheerful, considerate and responsive
• Appear interested in the progress of the survivor and/or caregiver
• Act as a good listener to both the survivor and caregiver
• Cooperate with physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals
• Strive to continuously improve visiting skills
• Respect the spiritual and religious beliefs of the stroke family
• Dress appropriately

What Peer Visitors Do Not Do...

• Give medical advice or offer solutions to the stroke family
• Discuss the patient's healthcare costs or finances
• Discuss the details of their own physical condition
• Act as advocates for or representative of a particular hospital or other facility
• Present themselves as paid counselors or hospital staff
• Make disparaging remarks about the patient's healthcare team
• Discuss the number of times they've had a stroke or been hospitalized
• Express religious or spiritual beliefs to the stroke family

More Information

Contact Mary Morrisette, RN, BSN, CCM, Neuroscience Program Manager via email or phone at CJW Medical Center at 804-330-2044. Or contact Keltcie Delamar, Director, High Risk & Stroke, American Heart Association/Mid-Atlantic Affiliate via email or phone at 804-965-6422.

Click on the image to the left for an application for the Stroke Peer Visitor Program. Please note that completion of an interview and class is also required.