Help Me, My Husband Had a Stroke

January 4, 2007 started at the Mansfield house like so many other days. Nancy got the children up and ready, and their giant yellow limos took them to school. But then, in a moment, it became clear that something was very different. At age 46, her husband, Larry, suddenly had an acute change of mental status. She hurried to help him get dressed and zoomed to the doctor's office. Once there, he didn't know the day, the year, who was president, or where he was. (He told the doctor they were at Kentucky Fried Chicken. "Kentucky Fried Chicken!!! she thought...ohhh no...couldn't he at least think he was at Gramercy Tavern??") And as quickly as that, the story of this happily married couple and their two teenagers, changed forever.

Their families and friends rallied with support and care. The medical professionals offered their treatments and guidance. Even with the best medical care and a tremendous support system, the strain on the family was enormous. And the vast majority of the responsibility fell to Nancy. There was so much care that Larry needed. There was so many worries for Nancy. There was loneliness without the husband she knew being reachable, and there were financial concerns. Her partner, the one she had always leaned on when worries seemed big, couldn't help her...she had to help him. It seemed that each time Nancy successfully managed one challenge, several new ones arose. And there was no road map.

It was from that place of loss and lack of direction that Nancy Mansfield wrote this book for others. It is an empathetic and incredibly practical guide for the caregiver of a stroke or other brain injury survivor. Knowing that time for reading is scarce when the injury is acute and the tasks endless, she provides, in chronological order, concise, useful information. It has downloadable spreadsheets to track medical information and expenses which may be tax deductible. Nancy provides information about applying for insurance and disability benefits, returning to work, and much more. She gives usable tips and advice and also shares about the emotional challenges as well. There are numerous links to additional helpful information. This book feels like it was written by a knowledgeable friend. It is hopeful and encouraging, while being realistic. Nancy Mansfield's guide allows caregivers to move forward with confidence because someone who has taken this journey before is guiding the way.