Stroke under 50
Discussion
A family member has had a stroke, late 40's, fit and healthy so a bit out of the blue. They've been in hospital 6 weeks and are making progress but... no movement in one arm and need help walking and with day to day stuff.
The hospital are now getting keen to discharge, won't be immediate, they are doing another occupational health assessment next week.
He in not in a financial position to update where he lives (lives with another family member who rents a small 2 bed house) no downstairs wc, small bathroom etc.
The local authority know about it but won't or can't do anything. A housing application has been made but they take 6 weeks to assess those. Hospital are talking about discharge with carers coming into the home but I can't see that working, unless they got him up in the morning and he didn't move until they came back, not much of a life! Physiotherapy is working so assume, but don't know, it would continue.
Can anyone offer any advice to get the right care package in place? I want to make sure on his behalf that he gets what he needs and the hospital aren't discharging too soon because they need the bed. His progress is good so, continuing to get the right therapy is going to be key to his recovery.
The hospital are now getting keen to discharge, won't be immediate, they are doing another occupational health assessment next week.
He in not in a financial position to update where he lives (lives with another family member who rents a small 2 bed house) no downstairs wc, small bathroom etc.
The local authority know about it but won't or can't do anything. A housing application has been made but they take 6 weeks to assess those. Hospital are talking about discharge with carers coming into the home but I can't see that working, unless they got him up in the morning and he didn't move until they came back, not much of a life! Physiotherapy is working so assume, but don't know, it would continue.
Can anyone offer any advice to get the right care package in place? I want to make sure on his behalf that he gets what he needs and the hospital aren't discharging too soon because they need the bed. His progress is good so, continuing to get the right therapy is going to be key to his recovery.
For a clearer picture of what is possible post discharge speak to the occupational therapist next week. One thing I do know is that carers are very hard for the NHS to find at the moment and even when they do supply them it will only be for a limited time. I would think the OT will also organise a physiotherapist to visit the chap. Again, this may be free only for a limited period. Someone will have to fork out if long term care is needed.
Had experience of this with my Dad some time back, though he was a bit older.
Firstly, you'll be pleasantly surprised at the level of support he'll get from the NHS and Carers. It won't be perfect but nor will it be non-existent. The trick here is not to fall silent if you feel them waining in any way. They've a lot to do and things can slip off radars. Don't ever be afraid of feeling like you're being a nuisance to them.
Beyond that, this is a time when the family must be a family. This is where he'll get the best support from. Carers work at their best and do their best work when they 'support' families, not replace them. Share the burden but you must all muck in. The most profoundly effective thing you can do for him is to support his recovery; make sure he's doing his exercises and push him on this. At his age, unless the stroke was particularly severe, it's highly possible a near to full recovery can be achieved but only if he follows the path of progression on physio, etc.
The Stroke Association is also a good resource for advice, support signposting, etc.
Good luck and he (and you) has my best wishes.
Firstly, you'll be pleasantly surprised at the level of support he'll get from the NHS and Carers. It won't be perfect but nor will it be non-existent. The trick here is not to fall silent if you feel them waining in any way. They've a lot to do and things can slip off radars. Don't ever be afraid of feeling like you're being a nuisance to them.
Beyond that, this is a time when the family must be a family. This is where he'll get the best support from. Carers work at their best and do their best work when they 'support' families, not replace them. Share the burden but you must all muck in. The most profoundly effective thing you can do for him is to support his recovery; make sure he's doing his exercises and push him on this. At his age, unless the stroke was particularly severe, it's highly possible a near to full recovery can be achieved but only if he follows the path of progression on physio, etc.
The Stroke Association is also a good resource for advice, support signposting, etc.
Good luck and he (and you) has my best wishes.
My 1st wife had a stroke at 36 after giving birth
My current partner had one last year aged 39
My dad had one 5 years ago aged 79.
The biggest wins come from within, the drive to overcome. 'You' need to carefully nurture their determination and promote and encourage at every opportunity. Allow 'grief' and depression to come out when it hits, but move quickly back to positivity and celebrating the wins when they happen.
If he has no internal drive (like my dad) its a long and ultimately fruitless situation, the NHS aren't that powerful to prevent it.
The younger and more driven you are, the better the outcome.... stubborn persistence for at least 2 years on their part, matched by family and friends.
My partner's stroke resulted in loss of site and muscle weakness, both of which have reversed by about 90% now... headaches and ongoing meds are being reduced.
Good luck.
My current partner had one last year aged 39
My dad had one 5 years ago aged 79.
The biggest wins come from within, the drive to overcome. 'You' need to carefully nurture their determination and promote and encourage at every opportunity. Allow 'grief' and depression to come out when it hits, but move quickly back to positivity and celebrating the wins when they happen.
If he has no internal drive (like my dad) its a long and ultimately fruitless situation, the NHS aren't that powerful to prevent it.
The younger and more driven you are, the better the outcome.... stubborn persistence for at least 2 years on their part, matched by family and friends.
My partner's stroke resulted in loss of site and muscle weakness, both of which have reversed by about 90% now... headaches and ongoing meds are being reduced.
Good luck.
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