Who will be involved in my care
Video: Who will be involved in my care
After a stroke, you will need access to a range of health professionals, depending on the impact your stroke has had on you. In hospital, this is known as the stroke team or treating team. After discharge home, they may provide or arrange centre-based or visiting services.
Your general practitioner (GP) will manage your care once you get home. Your GP can also refer you to health professionals as needed.
Stroke care coordinator or discharge co-ordinator –your hospital care and help plan your discharge.
Doctors – the consultant is in charge of your hospital care. They may be a neurologist, rehabilitation physician or geriatrician. Registrars and residents report to the consultant.
Nurses – provide care while you are in hospital, taking and monitoring observations, administering medication and assisting with everyday activities.
Occupational therapist (OT) – work to get people back to day to day tasks, such as dressing and showering. They can help with thinking and memory problems, and with hand and arm problems. OTs also can help with return to work and driving.
Physiotherapist – work to improve the way you sit, stand, walk and exercise and to prevent falls. They can give you advice about mobility aids such as walking frames and wheelchairs.
Speech pathologist – assess to see if you can swallow and make recommendations to help you eat and drink safely. They also help if you have trouble speaking or understanding.
Dietitian – help with getting enough nutrition because of swallowing difficulties or poor appetite. They can also give advice about diet to reduce your risk of another stroke.
Social worker – help with the emotional, social and financial impact of stroke. They can offer counselling, support, advice and information about discharge options and community services.
Psychologist – help with getting used to life after stroke, and with depression and anxiety.
Neuropsychologist – may work with you if you are having trouble with memory, thinking or behavioural problems. They can help develop practical strategies to help with these problems after stroke.