Stroke: A guide for carers

In Scotland at any one time, there are 100,000 people who have had a stroke living at home.  Most strokes occur in later life though younger men and women have them too.

A stroke affects everyone differently, but they all rely heavily on the support of those around them - and especially on the help of close relatives and friends.

Who is a carer?

If you are a partner, relative or friend of someone who has had a stroke, and involved in their care, this section is for you.

 

You may not think of yourself as a 'carer', but caring for someone after a stroke is a serious undertaking. Carers, whatever their age or circumstances, need information, practical help and support in their own right. Your encouragement and support, combined with the right professional guidance, can make a difference to the level of recovery of the person you care for.

 

How to use this section

 

It is unlikely that everything in this section will apply to you, so pick out the parts that you find most useful at the time. For many people, there are three particularly difficult times:

• the onset of the stroke and its immediate aftermath
• discharge from hospital and adjusting to life at home
• the end of hospital and rehabilitation support - when people can feel unsupported and isolated

The content in this section has been adapted from the Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland leaflet Stroke: A Carers Guide.

Last updated: 31/07/2007