Hi Melinda
Thanks for reaching out on EnableMe, there are lots of other stroke survivors who have had similar experiences to your father, so I’m sure there will be some great advice posted here.
It was good to talk yesterday but thought I could add the links we talked about that might also be helpful. I am sorry to hear about your father’s stroke and his memory changes and vision loss, these can be very challenging issues to come to terms with.
Many survivors experience vision problems after a stroke, and they can be challenging to manage. Visual field loss occurs in approximately 30–40% of stroke survivors and can often affect half of the field of vision in both eyes (homonymous hemianopia).
There is currently not a great deal of evidence to make any recommendations on interventions, but it is important that your father is seen and assessed by an eye specialist such as an ophthalmologist. They would be the specialist to assess and recommend any possible options for your father. You can request a referral from the hospital, or have your father see his GP when he gets home and get a referral to a local ophthalmologist.
You might be interested in reading this blog from Adrian who has commented above about his experience with hemianopia as it gives a good description of what your father might be experiencing. You can read it here. Thanks for commenting as well Adrian
Guide Dogs Australia are a great organisation that can help people who have low vision, including vison loss resulting from stroke, gain freedom and independence to move safely and confidently around their communities. More information about their service can be found here. Your father would need a referral through My Aged Care for this service. You can contact My Aged care on Ph. 1800 200 422 or visit their website here.
Vision Australia can also provide assessment and management services for people who have low vision or changed vision from a stroke. More information about their service can be found here, again your father would need a referral through My Aged Care.
It is really important to talk to his current treating team about ongoing referrals and services prior to his discharge home. It sounds like he could benefit from some ongoing rehabilitation at the local hospital outpatient department. Ask your fathers treating team about a referral prior to his discharge for Occupational Therapy. An Occupational Therapist can assist with strategies for both vision changes and memory issues. If there is a waiting list (given the current COVID-19 situation) you can also speak to your fathers local GP about a chronic conditions management treatment plan and seek a private Occupational Therapist in the interim. If eligible for the treatment plan your father can access 5 sessions of allied health therapy at a Medicare rebated rate. You can then ask the GP about their recommendations for a local private therapist, or find one here.
There is quite a lot of information on EnableMe about strategies to help with memory changes, you might like to start with listening to the podcast here. It has some great practical tips on managing memory changes in and around the home. This may include using practical supports like a diary or phone reminders, using a memory box and having a regular routine for when your father comes into or goes out of the house. You might also like to look at our page on thinking and perception after stroke here.
You and your father are welcome to give us a call back on StrokeLine if you have any further questions. We are available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on Ph. 1800 787 653.
I hope that the transition home for your father goes smoothly and he is well supported when he returns home.
Best wishes
Siobhan (StrokeLine)
