After a Stroke

People of any age can have a Stroke and every Stroke is different.

The impact of a Stroke is far-reaching and may have an effect upon each member of a family.

After the acute phase of a Stroke is over, many people experience frustration and frequently suffer from depression, anger, resentment and a sense of powerlessness.  Fatigue is also common. As the person who has had the Stroke enters the phase of rehabilitation, just how much recovery they will achieve cannot be accurately predicted. Recovery is often a long term process.

Before Leaving Hospital

Before the person who has had a Stroke is discharged from hospital it may be a good idea to talk to the hospital staff regarding Discharge Planning. This may include:

• Talking to the doctor about what happens when the person gets home. Should they see a regular doctor or a specialist? How often should they see the doctor? What progress should be expected?
• Having a Family Conference with the Doctor, Social Worker, Physiotherapist, Speech Pathologist and Occupational Therapist to decide what services and resources will be needed when the person gets home. If possible, speak to all of the above at the same time.
• Find out if the hospital offers Outpatient Services for Physiotherapy, Speech Pathology or Occupational Therapy.
• Include the whole family, so everyone is aware of what happens when the person gets home.
• Telephone the Stroke Association of NSW to get their free Stroke Information Kit or print the Information Sheets from this website.
• REMEMBER – try to continue physical exercises and speech practice when the person returns home. The more you do the better it is for you.