A Complete Guide to Stroke Rehabilitation Care
Is a stroke a physical disability?
A stroke occurs when the blood supply is cut off to part of the brain. Whilst a stroke itself isn’t a physical disability, stroke symptoms can affect mobility, and the damage caused by a stroke can lead to physical disability.
Some of the first signs that someone may be having a stroke are a change in their physical mobility, for instance weakness in the facial muscles (leading to one side of the face drooping or speech being slurred) or being unable to hold up both arms due to weakness or numbness in one arm.
The easiest way to remember the symptoms of a potential stroke is the acronym FAST:
- Face – Weakness on one side, difficulty in smiling.
- Arms – Inability to lift both arms and hold them there due to weakness or numbness in one arm.
- Speech – Words sounding slurred or confused.
- Time (to call 999).
These are not the only symptoms of a stroke, but are a strong indication that the person may need urgent medical attention.
Can a person recover from a stroke?
Whether an individual is able to fully recover from a stroke, will depend upon how much the stroke affected their physical mobility and mental wellbeing. Whilst there is no ‘one size fits all’ formula for after stroke care, having the right support in place can help an individual with their recovery.
How long does it take to recover from a stroke?
Recovery time can vary dramatically from person to person, depending upon the severity of the stroke and the impact this has had on the individual’s life.
For some people, the impact may be relatively minor, and they be able to recover fully in a few days or weeks. For others who have experienced a more severe stroke, their recovery may be lifelong, and they may need expert post stoke care to aid their rehabilitation.
What care is needed after a stroke?
Care for stroke patients should be tailored to their individual needs, and the symptoms they experience as a result of their stroke.
Post stroke care often involves supporting the individual to relearn life skills and how to complete certain tasks – for instance, physiotherapy to aid the individual with walking, or speech and language therapy to assist them with communication. An individual rehabilitation plan, agreed by a team of medical professionals, will set out exactly what stroke after care the individual needs, and how they should be supported.
Who pays for care after a stroke?
Dependent upon the severity of stroke symptoms an individual experiences, and how this has affected their personal circumstances, they may be eligible for certain benefits and financial support. Family carers may also be entitled to financial support if their circumstances have changed in order to help with post stroke care for loved ones.
Organisations such as Citizens Advice and the Stroke Association charity offer benefits calculators and guidance information about the various financial support options which may be relevant to stroke survivors and those who care for them.
How to care for someone after a stroke
Families are often a big part of an individual’s stroke recovery, acting as both cheerleaders and informal carers. Whilst the support of loved ones can be an effective and much-valued part of care after stroke, it’s important to recognise and acknowledge the emotional and physical strain that this sudden lifestyle shift can cause.
When supporting a loved one’s care, the relationships which existed before the stroke occurred can be all too easily, and almost invisibly, pushed aside to prioritise their daily care needs. Whilst this care and compassion is commendable, this unexpected turn of events can impact the mental and emotional wellbeing of the stroke survivor and their loved ones.
What is the benefit of respite care for stroke patients?
Respite care for stroke patients can be a great way of resetting the relationship balance between loved ones – enabling informal carers to take a break whilst ensuring that the stroke survivor receives all of the expert post stroke care that they need. This enables both parties some time to rest and recharge, so that relationships can be restored, and loved ones can be return to being more than informal carers.
The Halcon Centre in Taunton is uniquely staffed and equipped to provide specialist stroke patient care, and support for younger adults with physical disabilities which may have been caused by a stroke. Their focus is on enabling and empowering each individual’s recovery and rehabilitation, whilst supporting them to continue to do the things which are important to them.
To find out about short-term respite care for stroke patients or longer term residential care after a stroke, please contact our friendly and knowledgeable enquiries team, who will be happy to help.
Expert post-stroke support
Those who have suffered with a Stroke can be supported by the specialist team at Halcon, our respite and residential care home for younger adults with physical disabilities. Please get in touch to find out about Halcon’s facilities, expertise and ethos, and how the team can support yourself or a loved one to live well with a physical disability.
