Strokes devastate lives in seconds and happen much more often than many people think. Approximately once every 5 minutes someone, somewhere in the UK, suffers a stroke and there are over 1.2 million stroke survivors alive today. Although most stroke victims will be able to leave hospital within 6 months almost two-thirds will do so with some kind of impairment or disability.
First Steps
Immediately after having a stroke and receiving emergency care the patient will be admitted to a specialist stroke care ward. Most strokes are not fatal but can lead to:
- weakness in the limbs
- communication problems, both physical and mental
- issues with eating; difficulty in chewing or swallowing
- continence problems
- headaches and chronic pain
- fatigue
- eyesight deterioration or loss
- numbness or a feeling of pins and needles
- problems with thinking, memory or balance
Although around a quarter of stroke victims who return home live alone the effects of strokes mean they will almost certainly require some form of home care services.
Living independently
Around half of stroke survivors suffer from fatigue. This is a feeling of immense tiredness that can affect ones daily life. It may make returning to work difficult, or even impossible. It is also associated with depression, another common symptom of stroke recovery.
Another common effect of stroke is loss of bladder and bowel control. Around half of survivors report having issues with continence and it can be an extremely embarrassing issue.
A live in careassistant is able to provide the support that many stroke patients require. They can help the 4 in 10 people who require help with daily living to return to living within their own home, but stroke has emotional effects as well as physical and mental ones. Almost half of stroke victims have relationship difficulties. Professional support in daily living and running of the household can take the pressure off both parties and allow time both the victim and their spouse, partner and family to adjust to the new reality.
Continuing to live
Around a quarter of stroke victims will suffer another stroke within five years of their first. As with any stroke it is important to react FAST and the speed with which emergency stroke care can be provided can improve the outcome considerably.
Having a full-time carer on hand, whether employed or a family member, means the chances of surviving a second stroke are vastly improved. A carer can also reduce the chance of falling, by always be there when the patient requires assistance and by allowing them to remain in a familiar environment where trip hazards are kept to a minimum.
A full-time companion can also reduce the effects of depression by providing a friendly listening ear at any time of day or night. By maintaining as much of their client’s independence as possible they can also encourage the brain to repair itself and thus further improvements in health may be seen.
