The physical, emotional and cognitive changes caused by a stroke can affect every part of a person's life. They can impact on their important relationships. They can prevent them from working. They can inhibit their social life.
These impacts also have a knock on effect. For example, losing your job can affect your finances, the way you feel about yourself and can put a strain on relationships.
This chapter explores how important it is that we recognise these wider impacts of stroke, and that the right support is provided.
Read or download chapter 2 - The wider impacts of stroke:
How we can help
- We offer hands on support to stroke survivors and their loved ones. In many places, our teams visit stroke survivors and their family members in hospital and at home.
- We listen and support people affected by stroke through our Helpline (0303 30333 100) and website, including family and friends.
- Our online community, accessed through My Stroke Guide, and our many stroke clubs and groups bring people together. These groups offer social support, promote independence and reduce the risk of isolation. Most groups offer activities, such as art and exercise sessions, as well as outings.
- We provide information for employers to help them understand stroke better. We also have information for stroke survivors on returning to work, changing career, retirement and volunteering.
- We support stroke survivors to understand the financial support they may be entitled to.
- We offer means-tested grants to support recovery. For example, these can contribute towards respite breaks, tablets to help with communication or gym memberships.