What level of recovery would be expected at the 5 month period? Is it…

Hi Enable Me Looking for some words of comfort and guidance. Situation.... My mother is 64, she suffered a stroke on the 12th October and has returned home last week after two months in re-hab. A three month home care package was granted to her, daily personal care, weekly home physio, RDNS visits and a dedicated case manager. She has several other chronic health issues as well as a partial amputation to her RHS foot. Her left side is affected, speech comes and goes and mobility is limited to an electric wheel chair only. She cannot cook and can only prepare light meals, showering and dressing is difficult. A personal alarm system at home has been installed, with this and the daily visits I worry about her being at home for the long term. Questions.... What level of recovery would be expected at the 5 month period? Is it normal for her to be emotional? she tends to get upset and stressed about small things. When and how do you decide if someone needs to be in aged care and not at home? I'm the sole family contact, am worried after home care package ends what her situation and next steps will be. Thanks. Any words of guidance would be greatly appreciated

Hi Simon,

I’m sorry to hear about your mother’s stroke and the challenges that she continues to face in her recovery. As her sole carer and family member this places a heavy burden on you. Do you have someone supporting you at the moment? Please feel free to ring StrokeLine (1800 787 653) if you would like to speak with one of our health professionals.

I’ve attempted to answer your questions below; however if you’re happy to call us on StrokeLine we can discuss in more detail and support you through this process.

What level of recovery would be expected at the 5 month period?

A person’s stroke recovery is dependent on a number of factors. The size and location of the stroke are the two main determinants, other factors such as a person’s age, level of fitness and cognitive ability prior to their stroke as well as their ability to actively participate in therapy can also have an impact.

Spontaneous recovery occurs in the first few months (approx. first 6 months). From then on recovery can continue (at varying rates) for many years post stroke. We know that with ongoing opportunities to practise old skills and develop new ones that the brain can ‘rewire’ itself, a concept known as ‘neuroplasticity’. You may like to learn more about neuroplasticity by listening to our podcast https://enableme.org.au/Community/Podcasts/Neuroplasticity

Is it normal for her to be emotional? She tends to get upset and stressed about small things?

Yes it is. Personality changes after stroke are common. Our fact sheet on emotional and personality changes after stroke may provide you with some helpful information.

When and how do you decide if someone needs to be in supported care and not at home?

This is an extremely difficult question to answer and is different for every stroke survivor and their family.

It’s important to consider your mothers safety and quality of life, as well as the effect that her staying at home has on you as her daughter and carer.

Where possible, involve you mother in the decision making process and gather expert advice from her GP, case manager, and from organisations such as My Aged Care and Carers Australia

I'm the sole family contact, am worried after home care package ends what her situation and next steps will be?

I would strongly encourage you to speak with your mother’s case manager as soon as possible about what the plan is for when this package ends.

I would also recommend contacting My Aged Care. They can help arrange further support at home or support you through the process of finding a residential care facility.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if we can be of any further assistance. You can email us at strokeline@strokefoundation.org.au or call StrokeLine on 1800 787 653 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm AEST)

Best wishes,

Alana (Speech Pathologist for StrokeLine)