My earliest recollection of being personally affected by a stroke was when my father had one when I was in my mid-teens.
I remember the day so clearly. I almost ran home after school – excited because it was Pancake Day and I was so looking forward to one (or two) of my mums lovely creations. I could visualise it – sprinkled with sugar and lemon juice. Unusually, my mum was waiting for me at the front door – only to tell me that, for us, Pancake Day had been cancelled. Instead, we were heading straight off to the hospital to visit my dad. He’d had a stroke that day. I was of course devastated, although to be honest I didn’t fully understand how this would affect our family. I just knew that my mum was very upset and anxious – that’s all I needed to know – that was in itself verification that my dad’s ‘stroke’ was serious.
I will never forget seeing him so poorly in the hospital bed. The stroke had affected one side of his face and body and one of the main concerns was his inability to swallow properly. I can remember speaking to one of the doctors on the ward – desperate to know how his life would be going forward and, in the main, should we worry about him having another. His words will always stay with me. He told me that ‘if a bicycle has a puncture, you must keep riding it but be aware that it’s a little more likely to have another one than it was before’.
How well put, but in NHS terminology:
A stroke is a serious life-threatening medical condition that happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off.
A stay in hospital follows the majority of strokes, in which, a major part of the recovery is centred around rehabilitation – getting back up on your feet and gaining strength and confidence. In a lot of cases, you can expect to return home with plans in place for rehabilitation, with medication and hopefully help from friends and family.
In a way my dad was lucky because, due to his relatively early age, my mum was fit and well and devoted every day to looking after him. But not everyone is so lucky.
This is when the decision will probably be made to introduce the services of a Care Agency to help with life after a stroke.
Wellbeing Homecare Services will work together with the family, therapists and Social Services to look at life going forwards for the return home. House modifications are often put into place whilst the person affected is in hospital or rehabilitation in preparation for their return – grab rails around walls to assist with balance whilst walking and possibly the refit of the bathroom, if necessary, to make it a usable space. Approximately half of those admitted to hospital after suffering a stroke will return straight home but it’s important to remember that all strokes, and their effects are very different – and so it follows that the care varies from person to person. Wellbeing Homecare Services can provide personal care if needed, along with meal preparation and general help around the home. Whilst the stroke patient is recovering then so the care can be adjusted to fit. Possibly companionship calls, trips out and generally getting the best out of life. Recovery may not be quick; patience will be needed – there’s no ‘one size fits all’ with stroke recovery.
Remember – the bicycle may have had a puncture but you need to get back in the saddle and keep riding
Francine Widdowson
Care Giver – Wellbeing Homecare Services
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