Hope After Stroke for Caregivers and Survivors: The Holistic Guide To Getting Your Life Back

Hope After Stroke by Tsgoyna Tanzman is an exceptional guide for anyone navigating the challenges of stroke recovery. Comprehensive and empathetic, this book offers an extensive range of topics and a broad recovery timeline, from acute care to community rehabilitation. It serves as an indispensable resource for individuals with aphasia, their caregivers, and speech therapists alike. One of the most poignant aspects of the book is how it addresses the emotional and practical needs of caregivers. As a speech therapist myself, I had a caregiver grappling with anger, frustration & denial over his wife’s diagnosis of aphasia. When handed this book, he found solace and understanding through its pages. The knowledge it provided helped him not only support his wife’s recovery but also heal himself emotionally. By learning to celebrate small victories and embrace the "new normal," he discovered a sense of peace that had previously eluded him. Tanzman’s writing is both informative and compassionate, offering hope while being rooted in practical strategies and real-life experiences. Whether you're a stroke survivor seeking tools for recovery, a caregiver searching for guidance, or a speech therapist looking to expand your resources, Hope After Stroke is a must-read. This book is a true beacon of hope, offering a roadmap for rebuilding lives and relationships after a stroke.

This is a wonderful and informative book for anyone who has just had a stroke (or other health problem), the caregiver of that person or anyone looking to learn more about strokes/the process of healing in general. The book is a must-read as the author has incredible knowledge and the inside-scoop on the best way to handle strokes and healing in general from her experience as a Speech-Language Pathologist. The book is broken down in a clear way, so no matter what your level of knowledge about the subject is you will be able to learn something. The chapters clarify whether they are for the Caretaker or the Survivor and efficiently has chapter recaps in bullet points at the end of each section. This enables the reader to read it through completely or use it as a guide when curious about specific sections. As someone who has health problems (non-stroke related) I found the book to be very relevant even down to the smallest details. The author has so much experience helping people heal that she thinks about things from every angle but also with an optimistic and wholesome perspective. I wish I had had the book since the beginning of my health problems because it has such important insights. I also am interested in learning more about Speech-Language Pathology so the book gave me a better sense of what day to day life can look like in this profession. Basically, this book is amazing and I highly recommend you read it!

A stroke is like a fire , you never know when it can happen!. Both my mother and mother in law had strokes ,and we really didn’t know what to do! I needed this book !!! Hope after Stroke answers all the questions with easy to understand medical information about signs and types of strokes ,stages of recovery and types of therapies, (mainstream and alternative). There are essential instructions about how to make your stay in the hospital successful as well as suggestions about how to take care of the caregiver ! She even gives tips on how to get insurance to pay as long as possible. It is chock full of important details and tips with a summary list at the end of each chapter. But this book is more than just clinical information; it is interesting and deeply life affirming. You will feel the author’s kind hand holding yours as she teaches and guides with hope, enthusiasm, humor and love. She shares all her years of experience and professional skill, combining that with her patients stories , to help you have the best possible outcome for your loved one. You can see I loved this book ! I want this book in my house like I want a fire extinguisher!! Life happens , and I want to be Prepared!!

It is complete with details of critical information regarding the process of recovery – but that’s just the beginning! The remainder of this well-written book uncovers never-discussed topics, little known suggestions to ease and increase progress, and many case studies that hold interest while making important points. In my opinion, there are multiple ways to utilize this book. For caregivers, I would recommend a thorough first read, then use it as a reference. In addition, when this level of communication is possible with the patient, some topics may be shared used for discussion. For speech-language pathologists (or any rehab therapist, for that matter!), I highly recommend keeping a copy on the shelf; when questions arise, to provide examples, or to use one of the graphics to aid in explanations for patients and/or caregivers. My favorite aspect? Approaching stroke rehabilitation from a wellness perspective creates a positive, uplifting mindset in both patient and caregiver. It’s inspiring, and exactly the way it should be done! It is indeed a life- changing event, replete with many struggles and challenges, but it most certainly can also be filled with hope.

I love how easy it is to understand and use all of Tsgoyna's suggestions. This is so helpful for making changes. Kathi

The book is a must for any Stroke Survivor or Caregiver. It delves into all aspects of the Stroke Recovery process, and gives hope in important areas where you realise that you are not the only one thinking or going through these things. Such an important aspect of my recovery, 3yrs post recovery. If only I had known sooner.

I had a stroke almost two years ago when I was fifty. I wish this book was available then. The author so well describes the stages one goes though, the types of rehabilitation specialists that one will work with and what they do, the types of strokes, the depression that many people suffer after a stroke, etc. Although my stroke wasn't as bad and the strokes she describes for some of her patients, I am still getting over it and have a ways to go. I live in France so the parts about insurance and some other details in the book were not applicable for me, but for someone living in the US these would be valuable. The book is a fantastic resource. I can't thank Tsgoyna enough for writing it!

If you had a stroke or any brain injury this book is a must. I know what I am talking about as I am Young Stroke Survivor. Xx