Healthy Heart
Sometimes after a stroke relatives are unable to cope because the patient is too disabled or they are too infirm. Sometimes the patient has no family and cannot manage without support. The family doctor and a social worker should be consulted about possible options.
Staff at the local Department of Health and Social Security will be able to advise on the entitlement to one or more of the benefits available for disabled people. The system is quite complicated and expert advice is needed to get the right combination of benefits.
Social Services should be able to arrange for adaptations such as a ramp to take a wheelchair, or handrails alongside a flight of steps. These should be planned in conjunction with an OT. Social Services may also be able to adapt a house that is no longer suitable for a disabled person by, for example, … Read more
Self-help relative groups have started up in many stroke clubs, day centres and hospitals because it was realised that relatives and carers needed support too. These groups provide an opportunity for carers to discuss their problems and share solutions. Crossroads Care Attendant Schemes have been set up in many parts of the country to relieve … Read more
Some people are concerned that the excitement of sexual intercourse may bring on another stroke. This is unlikely. Medication given to control high blood pressure may affect a man’s potency (the ability to achieve erection and ejaculation). If this is a problem the family doctor may be able to help with a change of drug. … Read more
Even a minor stroke will undermine the confidence of the patient. Relatives and friends can do a great deal to stimulate and encourage independence. It is often easier to do everything for people than to stand by while they struggle, especially when they are disinclined to try. A helper will need to learn when assistance … Read more
These form an essential part of living, particularly in times of high unemployment. Being incapacitated by disability can be very boring, espically for someone who … Read more
There are about 400 of these in the United Kingdom. Some are run by therapists and other by nurses, social workers, voluntary organization … Read more
Day centres are usually run by local authorities and provided handicrafts and soical activities. They gives a disabled person the opportunity to get out of the … Read more
Returing to work after a stroke is usually easier for someone who has a desk job than for someone doing manual work where a defective arm and difficulty … Read more