What advice would I give a fellow Stroke Survivor?

Hi Kathy thanks for reaching out and I really feel for you and your brother

I was extremely fortunate that even though my stroke was severe that I was able to get to hospital within the golden hour and with the use of clot buster I survived

However, this is not about me, and I appreciate the time taken to ask me the question my advice would be

Have you spoken to your brother’s doctor to see whether he could get a referral to a physio or an occupational therapist because what I think would help you brother would be if he had a plan- that he could work to a structured plan with goals so that he could do something every day.

 I know there's nothing more frustrating than doing all those things and slow progress

but trust me it's a long-term project stroke rehab is a long-term project it took me 3 1/2 years before I could use my right-handed tie shoelaces three almost four years before I could use my right hand to use a knife

I must admit looking back on my rehab having a plan with definite goals gave me an idea of how is progressing. and then committing to that plan doing your rehab and exercises everyday

I think if you can get a referral to either a physio or an occupational therapist and then fit with that person and they can help work out a plan I think the key dear brother’s situation is he needs a plan

Let me know how you go I hope I've helped you in some way.

Brian

Hi Kathy, thanks for reaching out and commenting on Brian’s Blog.   

Like Brian, I am sorry to hear of your brother’s stroke and the ongoing impacts he is experiencing. Stroke recovery can be lifelong, so it is great that you’ve reached out.  It sounds like you have been providing him a great deal of support along the way, and it is wonderful that you have reached out. 

Brian has given you some excellent advice (Thanks Brian) and I would support everything he has suggested. Having a burst of therapy down the track in stroke recovery can be really helpful.  As Brian says it can help develop goals and ensure that your brother’s rehab is challenging him and keeping him motivated to practice.  We do know that stroke recovery is lifelong, so it is good to keep up the rehabilitation and the hope for your brother. 

You and your brother can talk with his Gp  about a referral to a local Community Rehabilitation Centre, or the chronic conditions management treatment plan. What is available in your brothers area will depend on where he lives, so do reach out to his Gp, or to StrokeLine and we can help find something local. 

A Community Rehabilitation Centre provides short term, goal lead multi-disciplinary therapy, so he could access Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and Speech Therapy all in one place. The program usually lasts 6-8 weeks but sometimes can be extended. We know some centres have waiting lists currently, so it can be helpful to talk with his Gp about the chronic conditions management treatment plan (Care plan). If he is eligible, this can provide up to 5 sessions of allied therapy (so any of the above) over a 12-month period, at a Medicare rebated rate. This means he would only be paying the gap fee above the Medicare rate. These sessions can help if someone is waiting to start with a Community Rehabilitation Centre. Your brother can then access private therapists of his choosing. 

Would he also be interested in a stroke support groups. Again, depending on where he lives, there are some wonderful groups that provide support to stroke survivors with aphasia. This might also help keep him motivated if he is interested in spending time with others who have experienced a similar event and ongoing issues. 

If you are concerned about your Brother’s overall motivation, have you also noticed in any changes to his mood? Mood changes and a decrease in motivation can go hand in hand following a stroke.  If you are concerned, or if he hasn’t had a mood screen, I would again be discussing this with his Gp. Mood changes after stroke can be very common, but are also treatable with the right support. 

Do feel free to give us a call at StrokeLine on Ph. 1800 787 653 or email us on strokeline@strokefoundation.org.au. We would be more than happy to talk with you about what is happening for your brother in more detail.  We are available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. 

Warm regards 

Siobhan (StrokeLine) 

Great advixe. thanks for this Siobhan

Thanks so much for your kind advice Linda. Yes he has aphasia. He had weekly speech sessions with some 3rd yr ST students and I try to get him to talk as much as possible but he finds it so hard to get anything out.

Lack of motivation is a big part of it.

Regards 

Kathy