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Guidance for stroke survivors

Always follow the latest government coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance.

There are different rules depending on where you live.

Check the information in your area. 

Click on the blue link below. 

We recommend wearing a mask or face covering if possible. 
 
Evidence shows that the following can help stop the spread of coronavirus.
 
  • Wearing a mask or face covering
  • Social distancing 
  • Washing your hands regularly
 
After a stroke you may have difficulty wearing a mask or face covering. 
 
A mask or face covering makes lip reading or facial expressions unclear.
 
This can affect people differently including: 
 
  • People with aphasia or other communication difficulties
  • People with visual difficulties
  • People with hearing loss who need to lip read
 
Some groups are exempt from face coverings or masks, including:
 
  • People with a physical impairment or disability.
  • People who face severe distress due to wearing a face covering. 
 
We know people are worried and confused about the new rules. 
 
If wearing a mask is difficult for you following a stroke you may want to use an exemption card. 
 
Many organisations have exemption cards that you can download and take out with you.
 
We have shared three examples below: 
 

Guidance for carers and people working with stroke survivors

As lockdown eases we will resume face-to-face support for a small amount of stroke survivors. 

We will be prioritising people who are unable to receive support virtually or over the telephone. 

We will provide clear facemasks for our staff to use when they’re delivering face-to-face support to people with communication difficulties. 

If you are supporting someone who has had a stroke, you may find a clear facemask is beneficial. 

The Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists is supportive of clear face masks where appropriate. 

More advice and information on coronavirus and stroke