Recovering from a stroke is a journey that can be both physically and emotionally challenging for stroke survivors and their families. As you or your loved one navigates rehabilitation and recovery, finding the right support and resources can make all the difference.

From local services in Indianapolis to national programs, there are numerous resources available to help with stroke recovery, including rehabilitation guidance, caregiver support, meal assistance, financial resources, and help with daily activities at home.

At Evelyn Wells, we understand that returning home after a stroke can bring new questions and challenges for families. We aim to empower families by providing clear, accessible resources while offering non-medical home care for those who need additional support with everyday life.

Here’s your go-to list of resources for stroke recovery:

The American Stroke Association offers extensive resources for stroke survivors and caregivers. Its resources cover rehabilitation, life after stroke, caregiver support, secondary stroke prevention, and planning for recovery.
The organization also provides a Stroke Family Warmline, where stroke survivors, family members, and caregivers can speak with trained stroke specialists for information and support.
American Stroke Association — Recovery After Stroke
Stroke Family Warmline: 1-888-4-STROKE (1-888-478-7653)

For families in Indiana, the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) provides information about stroke and maintains a directory of certified stroke centers and hospitals throughout the state.
The directory identifies facilities by certification level, including Comprehensive Stroke Centers, Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Centers, Primary Stroke Centers, and Acute Stroke-Ready Hospitals.
This can be a useful starting point for families looking for information about recognized stroke-care facilities in Indiana.
Indiana Department of Health — Indiana Stroke Centers

Rehabilitation is an important part of recovery for many stroke survivors. Depending on the person’s needs, rehabilitation may involve physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, or other clinical services.

The American Stroke Association provides resources to help survivors and families understand rehabilitation options, make decisions about rehabilitation settings, and prepare questions for healthcare professionals. Recovery can continue long after formal rehabilitation ends, and each person’s progress and needs are different.
American Stroke Association — Stroke Rehabilitation

For support with non-medical daily activities at home, families can also explore our guide to Best Home Care Services for Stroke Recovery

Stroke recovery can affect the entire family. Connecting with others who understand the experience can provide encouragement, practical ideas, and emotional support.

The American Stroke Association offers caregiver resources, access to support groups, and its Stroke Family Warmline for survivors and family caregivers.
American Stroke Association — Family Caregiver Resources
Families can also ask their hospital, rehabilitation provider, or healthcare team about stroke support groups available in the Indianapolis area.

Preparing meals can become difficult after a stroke, particularly when a survivor is dealing with mobility limitations, fatigue, or other changes.

Meals on Wheels of Central Indiana provides home-delivered meals in Indianapolis and Marion County. Its current programs serve older adults and others who need home-delivered meals, and dietary options include diabetic-friendly, low-sodium, and mechanical-soft meals. Applicants should speak directly with the organization about their dietary needs and eligibility.

Meals on Wheels of Central Indiana — Get Meals
Phone: 317-252-5558
For families who need help with grocery shopping or preparing meals at home, non-medical home care may provide another layer of practical support.

Some stroke survivors need ongoing clinical rehabilitation after leaving the hospital. Depending on individual needs, this may include inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient therapy, home health, or other rehabilitation services.

The American Stroke Association recommends working with the survivor’s healthcare team to determine the most appropriate rehabilitation setting and services.

For Indiana families, the IDOH directory of certified stroke centers can help identify recognized stroke-care hospitals, while the survivor’s physician or discharge team can provide referrals for appropriate rehabilitation services.

It is important to distinguish these medical and rehabilitation services from non-medical home care. Evelyn Wells can support everyday activities at home but does not replace physicians, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, or other clinical professionals.

Recovering from a stroke can also bring financial questions, especially when someone needs ongoing assistance at home. Indiana Medicaid offers Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) programs for eligible individuals who meet Medicaid and program-specific requirements. These programs are designed to help eligible individuals receive support in their homes or communities rather than institutional settings.

For people age 60 and older, the Indiana PathWays for Aging Waiver may provide authorized services such as attendant care, home and community assistance, home-delivered meals, respite care, transportation, and certain home modifications for those who meet eligibility requirements. People age 59 and younger with qualifying disabilities may have different HCBS options, including the Health and Wellness Waiver.

Coverage is based on eligibility and an individual’s approved plan of care, so families should confirm their options directly with Indiana Medicaid or their local Area Agency on Aging. Indiana Medicaid — Home and Community-Based Services

Veterans recovering from a stroke may also qualify for support through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. VA’s Homemaker and Home Health Aide Care program can provide eligible Veterans who meet clinical criteria with assistance with everyday activities such as bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, toileting, mobility, and grocery shopping. Availability and individual eligibility vary, and families should speak with a VA social worker about their options. VA also provides other home- and community-based services, including respite care and Veteran-Directed Care. VA — Homemaker and Home Health Aide Care

Indiana’s Area Agencies on Aging can help older adults and families connect with community-based programs and understand available support. This can be particularly useful when a stroke has changed a person’s ability to manage everyday activities independently. Indiana currently has 16 Area Agencies on Aging, and the state directs people seeking certain Medicaid HCBS waiver services to their local agency as part of the application process. Families can use their local Area Agency on Aging alongside their healthcare team to identify services and programs that may fit their circumstances.

Finding the right combination of medical care, rehabilitation, community resources, family support, and help at home can make the recovery journey easier to navigate. Three useful places to begin are the American Stroke Association for stroke-specific recovery and caregiver guidance, the Indiana Department of Health for information about certified stroke centers in Indiana, and Indiana Medicaid for information about eligible home- and community-based support programs. If your loved one is returning home and needs help with everyday activities, you can also read Home Care for Stroke Patients: What Families Should Know and Best Home Care Services for Stroke Recovery to better understand how non-medical home care may fit alongside their rehabilitation and medical care.