Social services
Support services to help the person who has had a stroke manage at home are usually arranged through the local authority social services department. The person may have already seen a social worker in hospital. If not, their GP can refer them or they can contact social services themself.
Home assessments
People who have had a stroke are entitled to a community care assessment, and the people who care for them are entitled to a carer’s assessment.
These assessments should happen before the person leaves hospital, but it can happen afterwards.
Make sure the social worker visits you at home to carry out the assessment. Be honest and give as much detail as you can about your circumstances as a patient or carer - your health, how your time is spent, what practical support you need and how you are feeling.
What help can I expect?
Once your needs have been assessed, the social worker can tell you about what services are available, and whether you will have to pay for them. Services vary from area to area, but might include:
- general advice and help applying for financial support;
- providing aids, equipment and home adaptations recommended by a community nurse, physiotherapist or occupational therapist;
- a place at a day centre - including transport to and from home, hot meals, information and advice activities, and social events;
- a home help or care assistant;
- home services, such as meals on wheels and a laundry service; and
- respite care (a short stay in a nursing home or hospital to give carers a break).
Going into a care home
It may be that caring for someone at home is not the best solution. A social worker can help you think about the level of care the person needs and consider other options, such as:
- sheltered housing, which is independent accommodation that has a resident warden on hand for emergencies;
- a residential home, which provides basic personal care; or
- a nursing home, which has fully qualified nursing staff to provide 24-hour nursing care.
Links
Audio version - Help at home and in the community (2590 kb)
Going to hospital
Returning home
Health professionals
Disability and sickness benefits
The Stroke Association's Life After Stroke Services
How can family help?
Going back to work
Driving
