Information For Carers: Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland

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Information For Carers

Who Is A Carer?

You may not think of yourself as a 'carer' but If you are a partner, relative or friend of someone who has had a stroke, and involved in their care this term applies to you.

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 big difference to the person you care for.

It is unlikely that everything in this section will apply to you, nor will you need all the information at once. It may be most helpful to revisit this information as your circumstances change. For many people, there are 3 particularly difficult times

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

Keep Information And Contact Details

There is a lot to take in in the first few weeks after a stroke. On top of the emotional distress, many carers feel overwhelmed by the volume of information and practical arrangements that they have to deal with.

Even if you can't take it all in straightaway, or don't think you'll need it, keep hold of all the information and useful contacts you are offered. Your needs and those of the person you care for will change over time.

A Stroke Happens To The Whole Family

A stroke happens to the whole family. Partners and family members often feel a deep sense of loss, because the stroke changes the person they knew and loved. Many carers go through feelings of loss and grief for the way that their life and that of the person they care for, has changed.

Caring is difficult and stressful. It is not unusual to have feelings of anger, resentment, guilt, anxiety or depression—or all of these at different times. These difficult feelings are the result of doing a very difficult job.

In the early days it is often not possible to predict just how much an individual will recover or what level of care will be needed. Becoming a carer may mean reorganising your life, and losing your former independence and income.

Simple Steps

At the beginning many people cope by taking each day at a time, just as it comes. Caring over a longer period of time will need some planning to work well. Experienced carers say the most important things are to

get information about what services and support are available
sort out practical help with the daily routine
be flexible
get a regular break

These practical steps won't necessarily make difficult or painful feelings disappear, but they can make it easier to cope with the day-to-day tasks of caring and give you some valuable time to yourself to recharge your batteries.

Getting Support

Many people feel quite uncertain about how they will cope with caring at home. If you are the main carer, make sure that you know what practical support is available, even if you are not sure at first whether you will need it. Be as specific as you can about what you will need help with.

Unfortunately some services may be under resourced or not available in your area, so you will have to ask. If you are promised help, write down what is offered, by whom and when. If the promised help does not appear, get in touch with the person concerned to remind them.

Help From Social Services

If someone needs support services in order to manage at home after a stroke, these are usually arranged through the local council social services department by a social worker. The services available vary from area to area, but include things like help with personal care, special equipment or adaptations to the home, day care, home helps, meals on wheels and respite care.

Where To Get Help