How do I find help getting employment after a stroke?

Hi there,

I’m so sorry to hear about your stroke and the difficulties you have had with employment.

Have you seen a speech pathologist recently? I would suggest asking your GP for a referral to a speech pathologist who can help you set some practical goals (this may include improving speech clarity or using speech strategies for job interviews and the workplace). An occupational therapist (OT) can assist with memory difficulties and devising a return to work plan. Both the OT and speech pathologist can help determine whether the difficulty you have with typing is due to word finding difficulty and/or reduced fine motor skills, both of which are common following stroke.

You may also find these resources and suggestions helpful:

• Contacting Job Access who provide free information and advice about employment of people with disability and offers useful advice if barriers arise. Call 1800 464 800 or visit www.jobaccess.gov.au/
• Contacting Centrelink as they can advise on available assistance.
• Having a look at our Return to work fact sheet
• There is also a great Return to Work after Stroke Facebook group you may like to join: https://www.facebook.com/groups/471969309553902/

You also mention that you experience exhaustion. Fatigue following stroke is very common and can unfortunately have a huge impact on one’s ability to carry out day to day tasks including work. It would be worthwhile speaking to your GP about other factors which may be contributing to the fatigue. For example, medications, any pre-existing medical conditions, diet, exercise.

• There are a number of other resources and suggestions/stories from stroke survivors around fatigue here enableme
• Our podcast on fatigue may be useful and can be found here

There may be other return to work services available depending on your state. Please feel free to give us a call to discuss further - 1800 787 653 (9am-5pm AEST Mon-Fri).

Wishing you the best,

Lisa (Speech Pathologist for StrokeLine)

I was extremely lucky in the fact that my employer kept my job and position open till I was recovered enough to tend work.I too had a stroke at Christmas time affecting my balance and I had aphasia quite bad when I started back. I hid the corner, and now I am starting to talk a little better and will even take phone calls.I have had time to recover and in time, your fatigue will become a little more manageable.

 I see you did graphic design and websites. Can you still do this? If so, the possibility of working from home doing this sort of thing part time or full time if you feel up to it is a reality if you have the motivation. No boss to watch over you and if you type dodgy who cares..Heck, Ive corrected my spelling from my sloppy typing half a dozen times in this reply!! Also as Lisa replied, more rehab in terms of speech therapy, OT and just getting into the public more often will help. Speaking to a counselor may also help. 

Also start volunteering a little. This might help build your confidence too.

18.03.2019

Hi Anonymous

I'm in a mirror image situation to you & about to embark on my first job search since my stroke.

Your post and the 2 replies have no posting date on the site, so I don't know how old they are...

If they're recent, and you're still out there, have you had any success with your return to work efforts?  Any tips or suggestions for others like me from your experiences?

Many thanks

Justin
(stroke survivor)