How can I address my difficulties if I can't define it?

Hello Angela

It sounds like it has been a really difficult time for you, and I am pleased that your partner is able to assist you. It can be a tough journey to travel alone and I understand your concern then about the impact on your partner.  It is not you, and it's great that you have reached out on EnableMe, it's a great source of support from others who have been in similar difficult situations.

Advocating for yourself can be overwhelming for many people, even without the impact of cognitive and language changes.  Is it the NDIS you are looking at accessing?  If it is, don’t feel discouraged, this pathway can be very challenging and confusing. We have some wonderful resources on EnableMe about the NDIS, and I can also send you some other information in regards to the access request and some tips that have been given to us form other stroke survivors who have successfully accessed the NDIS.

We have spent some time on talking with stroke survivors about the less obvious and more hidden disabilities associated with having a stroke.  Have you listened to our podcast on Hidden disabilities, you can access the link here.  This is something that is coming up more and more in our conversations with stroke survivors, and can certainly impact on accessing supports such as the NDIS, Centrelink for the Disability support Pension, and for those over 65 My Aged Care.  It is something we would be happy to talk with you more about this.

It would be good if we could talk with you in more detail about your concerns and accessing supports for yourself and your partner.  It would be great if you could give us a call at StrokeLine on Ph. 1800 787 653, or email us your best contact details and we can reach out to you (Strokeline@strokefoundation.org.au).

Kind regards

Siobhan (StrokeLine)