Expert advice about caring for someone who is

Strokes are the leading cause of adult disability in the UK, with an estimated 100,000 incidents each year.

These critical events occur when the brain’s blood supply is suddenly cut off, either by a clot or a hemorrhage, leading to the death of brain cells.

However, results are highly variable, depending significantly on the specific area of ​​the brain and the extent of the damage.

This inherent unpredictability makes a prescriptive approach to treating stroke survivors challenging, as symptoms can manifest as physical weakness or paralysis on one hand, cognitive issues such as memory or speech problems, depression and increased anger, or emotional changes including debilitating fatigue.

“As you get older, your risk of stroke increases, but it’s a complete myth that this is something that only happens to older people – we’re seeing more and more people of working age every year,” she explains.

There are 1.4 million stroke survivors in the UK, she says, and around a third of them will have their speech affected, but there may also be diverse physical or cognitive effects. “It will be really unique, and it is challenging in terms of supporting people after stroke,” she explains.

“If you’ve seen a stroke, you’ve seen a stroke – they’re all completely different, because the brain is such a complex organ.”

Austin Willett, CEO different strokesThe study, which promotes independent stroke recovery for younger stroke survivors, says about a quarter of strokes occur in people of working age or younger.

“A stroke can strike without warning and completely change life, not only for the person affected but for those who love them,” they warn.

“Some of the toughest challenges are invisible, which can make stroke especially different. But because every stroke is different, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to recovery. Every survivor’s needs are unique, and it’s important that support reflects that individuality.”

But there is some common ground for the support people need when they have a stroke. Here’s what experts suggest…

1. Press for early rehabilitation

And consistent rehabilitation gives people the best chance to regain skills and confidence, says Willett, while ongoing access to therapy and support helps maintain progress in the long term.

“Listening, understanding, and tailoring rehabilitation to the person does not make a diagnosis,” he emphasizes. “Access to timely, specialist rehabilitation is vital – no one’s recovery should be set back by gaps in the system or time-limited services.”

Adderley explains that survivors who have impaired speech, for example, must have support from a speech and language therapist, which she says is difficult to get hold of at the moment. Physical impairment may require support from a physiotherapist or occupational therapist.

“How much support people get will depend on where they live,” she explains.

“But more and more we’re hearing that it’s the hidden impact that really impacts their day-to-day lives—things like the psychological impact of a stroke, a devastating event that just came out of nowhere. There’s a lot of trauma involved, and worrying about whether it could happen again, that kind of thing. The psychological impact is huge.”

2. Try to understand the depth of fatigue

Adderley says fatigue is a big problem after a stroke, and explains: “We hear all the time from stroke survivors that people don’t understand what they mean by fatigue – they don’t just get a little tired, they get exhausted, and they have to stop when they hit that point in a day.

“Those hidden effects can be just as important as the physical ones that are quite visible.”

She explains that for some people, post-stroke fatigue “can last forever”. This may be better on some days than others, and some survivors may need a nap regularly to ‘reset’.

“It knocks them off their feet—it’s a game-changer,” she emphasizes, explaining that if a survivor has recovered enough to return to work, they may need to organize their work day so they can get a little rest at some point.

3. help them practice medicine

Adderley says there are practical ways family members can help stroke survivors, such as encouraging them to practice the therapeutic exercises they’ve been given.

“So with speech therapy, physio etc, practice and repetition is important,” she emphasises. “Certainly, with communication issues, we know that if people are encouraged to talk and communicate with their loved ones and find ways to make sure they’re connecting, that’s really, really powerful.”

4. don’t finish their sentences

Adderley explains that it can be tempting to finish sentences for people who have had speech difficulties after a stroke, but this isn’t always the best thing. “Finishing other people’s sentences or if there’s a long silence, really, for someone with communication difficulties, you need to give them time to process it before you really try and respond,” she explains.

5. Help them connect with others in your situation

Willett says it’s so important to help stroke survivors connect with others who really understand what they’re going through. “To combat isolation, a sense of community and belonging can be vital to well-being,” he explains, “offering hope, encouragement, and reassurance that no one has to face recovery alone.

“With the right support and understanding, stroke survivors can live fulfilling lives.”

6. Remember it’s not just the stroke survivor who needs support

Family members and caregivers also need support, and Willett emphasizes: “They play an essential role in recovery, yet the toll on them is often overlooked.”

Adderley says Stroke Association Run carer support groups, and carers of stroke survivors may also benefit from the help of other general carer organisations. She explains: “It’s about giving carers ‘allowance’ to know the impact of the stroke, to let them know as well, and that they can seek help for their needs as well as for the stroke survivor.

“There’s a lot of guilt associated with it, so it’s important that people are connected to others in similar situations, so they know they’re not alone. We need to make sure they understand what has happened and how they can support the stroke survivor and keep themselves well.”

7. Take advantage of support groups

Adderley stressed that just knowing there are specialist support organizations out there is important. “So many people feel like they fell off a cliff after a stroke and feel really alone, so knowing that they can get support from people who understand what they’re going through is really important.”

8. be patient

Recovery from a stroke can continue for many years, explains Willett, who adds: “We should not put arbitrary time limits on progress – people often continue to make small but meaningful improvements long after the initial months.”

Adderley says: “You see people doing things that people never anticipated, and reaching goals that people thought were unachievable. So the recovery period continues.”