Patient and Family Support

A neurologic disorder or injury can change a person’s life forever. Our Neuroscience physicians and nurses devote as much time and education as needed to make each patient and their family keenly aware of treatment options, potential side effects, prognosis and any other issues related to their condition.

Following treatment of a neurological disease or injury, our Medical Social Workers and Clinical Resource Coordinators will help patients assess and meet new needs that they may have. These professionals will help coordinate ongoing care, home health care services, medical equipment, rehabilitation as well as offer emotional support to help cope with lifestyle changes that may face our patients and their families.

St. John also offers support groups for patients with various neurologic conditions. Please call St. John Health Connect at 1-866-501-DOCS for more information about:

Stroke Support Group
For stroke patients and their family members, this group provides an opportunity for socialization and education. The group meets monthly at St. John Hospital. For more information call 1-866-501-DOCS, weekdays.

Aphasia Maintenance Group
Education for stroke survivors and those suffering from other diseases or injuries that affect the ability to communicate. Offers education and reinforces functional communication skills such as reading, writing and phone skills. Peer support and compassion are a key component of this group. The program is set up in eight week semesters and meets one hour each week. Please call1-866-501-DOCS to register or for more information.

Memory Disorders
Evaluation, diagnosis, treatment and residential care for patients with memory disorders including Alzheimer's and dementia.

St. John Senior Community
Located on East Warren in Detroit, St. John Senior Community offers 24-hour skilled and basic nursing residential care for patients in advanced stages of dementia. For more information about care and services offered at St. John Senior Community click here or call (313) 343-8000.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Diagnosis and management of MS and other diseases affecting the neuromuscular system.

Home Care
St. John Home Care offers a full range of home care services for patients with Multiple Sclerosis. Skilled nurses visit patients in their homes to assist with teaching, medication observation, assessment of home adaptive equipment and other skilled care such as catheter changes, as well as physical, occupational and speech therapy. Home health aides may visit to assist with personal care such as bathing and meals. Respite care is available as well as companion services. Social workers are also available for home visits to offer psychosocial assistance and support. For more information, please call St. John Home Care at 1-800-248-2298.

Swallowing Disorders
Treatment for people with dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, a symptom that frequently accompanies a variety of diseases and disorders.

The St. John Swallowing Center
The St. John Swallowing Center offers comprehensive testing, diagnosis and therapy on both an in- and outpatient basis for people with a variety of dysphagia symptoms. Otolaryngologists, gastroenterologists, pulmonologists, cardiologists, neurologists and radiologists staff the Center. Among the diagnostic tools available is the video esophogram, which shows why a patient has difficulty swallowing to aid in developing a treatment plan. Another test, called scintigraphy, shows if and how much of the food is actually aspirated into the lungs. The Center also offers fiber optic endoscopic evaluation of the swallow utilizing a flexible scope to evaluate the swallow. For more information, please call The St. John Swallowing Center at (313) 343-6846.

Pain Management Self Help Support Group
Helps patients with chronic pain educate themselves with assistance from one another and from health care professionals. Meets monthly. For more information call 1-866-501-DOCS, weekdays.