When assessing a person’s capacity to return to work after a stroke,…

I am a stroke survivor with a formal diagnosis of a right basal ganglia haemorrhage secondary to poorly controlled hypertension. The stroke resulted in significant health impacts and required acute hospital management followed by ongoing rehabilitation. I am proud to work as a community Registered Nurse, and I genuinely like and enjoy my job. Returning to work and resuming my professional role has been an important personal goal, as it represents not only financial independence, but also a sense of purpose, identity, and contribution to the community. I recently completed two days of comprehensive neuropsychological assessments, which identified deficits in executive functioning. However, my rehabilitation journey has not been staged or specifically structured to support a safe and gradual return to work.

Hello Nelson,

Thank you for reaching out on EnableMe and sharing what you’ve been through.

Returning to work is an important goal for many people following a stroke, particularly when employment has been a meaningful part of life, as it sounds it is for you. Thoughtful planning and the right supports are key to achieving a safe and sustainable return to work.

A successful transition back to work begins with understanding how the effects of stroke may impact your work role. This may include consideration of:

Cognitive changes: memory, thinking, concentration, planning, communication, personality changes, reading and writing

Physical changes: mobility, walking, hand and arm function

Sensory changes: vision, speech, hearing

Transport needs: ability to drive or access alternative transport

Neuropsychological assessment can certainly form part of the return-to-work process. While valuable, it is usually just one component of a broader, comprehensive functional and vocational assessment.

Rehabilitation pathways can be complex and should align with your current goals. At times, returning to work may not be the immediate priority. If you are not currently linked in with a rehabilitation team, you may wish to explore further assessment and support through an Occupational Therapist. Occupational Therapists play a central role in supporting realistic and well-planned transitions back to work, taking into account the full range of factors that influence success and sustainability. For example: an Occupational Therapist could work with you on a gradual return to work plan structured to accommodate any functional impacts that you may experience at work due to post-stroke impacts.

You can speak with your GP about a referral to an Occupational Therapist. They can also advise whether you may be eligible for Medicare support through a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan.

There are also a range of services that may assist with returning to work, depending on your circumstances. These can include Centrelink, your employer’s Human Resources or Occupational Health and Safety team, and specialist vocational rehabilitation providers. Support services are also available if returning to paid employment is not possible.

It may be helpful, Nelson, to speak directly with an allied health professional at StrokeLine to discuss your situation in more detail and receive tailored guidance. You can contact StrokeLine on 1800 787 653 or via email at strokeline@strokefoundation.org.au. This would allow for more personalised support based on your specific circumstances.

Warm regards

Siobhan (StrokeLine)