Strokes change lives. About one-third of people who have a stroke are left with physical and mental disabilities.
A stroke is a massive shock to the system and can have a profound effect on individuals and their families. Caring for someone who has had a stroke can often be physically and emotionally demanding.
If you or someone you care for has had a stroke, you’ll want to know what practical, emotional and financial support is available.
Recovery from a stroke begins in hospital. A stroke team will work out a plan of care for each individual to help them return home when the time is right.
Key to Recovery
Information and continuing support after returning home are important for a good recovery. In hospital, patients typically have access to a lot of information and support, but at home that expertise is no longer instantly accessible.
Once a person who has had a stroke is stable, the stroke team will work out a recovery plan that may involve some kind of rehabilitation adapted to the person’s needs.
A stroke can cause:
- paralysis or loss of muscle control
- communication difficulties
- blurred vision or loss of sight
- problems with thinking, memory and concentration
- depression, anxiety and extreme tiredness
Rehabilitation will help you regain as much independence as possible. You will relearn skills that you have lost and learn new ones to adapt to any permanent disabilities.
