For individuals who have suffered a stroke, the road ahead can seem overwhelming.
In addition to facing a long recovery, stroke survivors also need to figure out how to manage financially. Sadly, many stroke survivors are unable to work for the foreseeable future following their stroke.
While no one ever expects to have a stroke, there are many resources available to survivors in Kentucky.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers financial assistance to individuals who have become permanently disabled as the result of a stroke.
Neurologists in Kentucky
A team of medical professionals collaborates to help patients who have suffered a stroke. Leading the team is most commonly a neurologist.
A neurologist is a physician who specializes in health conditions related to the brain and central nervous system. Neurologists are the leading medical experts when it comes to stroke care.
Establishing a good relationship with your neurologist is critical for several reasons. First and foremost, your neurologist will play a key role in your health recovery.
Additionally, he or she will become the predominant health expert that the SSA turns to when evaluating your disability claim with a stroke.
Your neurologist will be responsible for submitting updated medical evidence to the SSA about your condition and health outlook.
The more thorough and responsive that your neurologist is, the higher the likelihood that your disability claim will be approved.
If you have not established a relationship with a neurologist, it is imperative to do so.
Here are three neurology practices in Kentucky that may be able to help:
University of Louisville Physicians
Department of Neurology
401 E. Chestnut St. Suite 510
Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 588-6000
http://www.uoflphysicians.com/neurology
University of Kentucky
Comprehensive Stroke Center
740 S. Limestone
Lexington, KY 40536
(859) 323-5661
https://ukhealthcare.uky.edu/comprehensive-stroke-center
Zia Neurology Associates
996 Wilkinson Trace St. A-7
Bowling Green, KY 42103
(270) 393.8418
http://www.zianeurology.com
Stroke Support Groups
Learning how to navigate the world post-stroke is challenging.
While immediately after having a stroke family and community members may rally with support, as time passes life may go back to normal for them. However, stroke victims face a long road ahead, and life may never feel normal again.
Research has shown that social support is imperative to the emotional healing that needs to occur after a stroke. Many individuals have found great value in joining a stroke support group.
Connecting with other stroke survivors is helpful both for emotional support, as well as to gain information about the various recovery options.
Stroke support groups cover relevant topics including health recovery, resources for financial aid, and dealing with anxiety and depression.
There are stroke support groups in many cities and towns across the state of Kentucky. Here are three in the largest cities:
University of Louisville Stroke Support Group
Meets Every 3rd Friday from 12:00 to 2:00 pm
2762 Frankfort Avenue
Louisville, KY 40206
(502) 645-5425
Cardinal Hill Stroke Education & Support Group
Meets Every Other Thursday at 3:15 pm
Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital
Stroke Unit Conference Room D
Lexington, KY 40504
(859) 367-7247
The Medical Center Stroke Support Group
Meets Every 1st Tuesday from 2:00 – 3:30 pm
1857 Tucker Way, Suite B
Bowling Green, KY 42104
(270) 745-0942
Applying for Social Security Disability for Stroke in Kentucky
If you are a resident of Kentucky and you have had a stroke, the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program may be of assistance to you.
This program was established to help those who have become permanently disabled due to a health condition to obtain financial aid.
Not all people who have had a stroke will qualify for SSDI benefits. In fact, there are very specific criteria by which disability benefits are doled out.
To be approved for disability benefits, you must be able to provide substantial medical evidence proving that you are too disabled to work for at least one year following your stroke.
The SSA will turn to its online medical guide, the Blue Book, to determine if you meet the specific criteria listed in section 11.04, vascular insult to the brain.
Immediately following your stroke, it might be determined that you are likely to be disabled for quite some time, if not indefinitely. However, the long-term effects of a stroke are not always known right away.
Therefore, the SSA will not review disability applications for stroke survivors until a full three months of medical evidence has been gathered following your stroke.
If you meet the criteria established by the SSA, and a full three months have passed since your stroke occurred, you can apply for disability benefits online or in person.
Listed below are three Social Security offices located in major cities in Kentucky.
Louisville Social Security Office 40223
10503 Timberwood Circle, Suite 50
Louisville, KY 40223
(888) 280-5851
Lexington Social Security Office 40505
2241 Buena Vista Road, Suite 110
Lexington, KY 40505
(866) 530-7754
Bowling Green Social Security Office 42104
2724 Chandler Drive
Bowling Green, KY 42104
(877) 801-0817
Can A Social Security Disability Lawyer Help Me for My Stroke in Kentucky?
No matter what state you reside, applying for Social Security disability benefits is complicated. Even the brightest individuals often have trouble navigating the complex instructions and regulations set forth by the SSA.
As a result, hiring an experienced Social Security lawyer is likely to be one of the best moves that you can make when applying for SSDI benefits.
A disability lawyer is skilled at reviewing cases and determining the best approach for winning a claim.
By considering the medical evidence available, your lawyer will be able to craft your case to enhance your chances of approval early on in the process.
Further Reading: How to Qualify For Social Security Disability in Kentucky
