Being independent - Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Our activities of daily living are our essential, basic everyday tasks that make up our day and allow us to be independent.

Activities of daily living

To do these tasks, we must have some level of functional independence or support.

Small aids, home adaptations and home support can be beneficial in aiding someone to complete these tasks
Therapy can support with increasing independence and skill

Equipment and support for independence and self-esteem

Think about using specialist items such as adapted cutlery to help with independent eating and drinking if required
Simple things like putting the toilet paper to your hand on your affected side helps you to be independent
Check with your therapy team or GP to see what your local equipment stores can provide. Depending on your need, and the locality of your home, a lot of equipment can be provided such as walking aids, pressure relieving mattresses, bathroom equipment and even beds and chairs.

Please note that all equipment is dependent on your local funding and not all areas are able to provide beds and chairs.

Some charities can help with buying special chairs and equipment for individual needs e.g. SSAFA (Forces Charity)

Splints reduce pain, damage and contraction of hands and wrists

Check – splint for damage
Contact – therapist for review/repair
Encourage – wearing it regularly as prescribed
Keep clean – with baby wipes or cool water and soap
Support – arm on pillow after application

Returning to work or education

A lot of people who experience a stroke are employed or volunteer. Naturally, people want to get back into their usual routines and back to work/volunteering/education

This is achievable if you are ready. Some people rush into it and find it challenging and overwhelming, and others are apprehensive to go back to it

Support from family and friends can be very beneficial. Having realistic and honest conversations with your employer can help you have a supportive transition back into work

For some, a graded integration back into work helps, particularly with fatigue or memory and mood changes after the stroke

Your therapy team can support with reasonable adjustments within your workplace

Travel after a stroke

Many people who want to go on holiday have queries regarding flying and long-distance travel following a stroke.

Once you have been discharged from hospital and any follow ups have been completed your GP can advise on which travel may be safe.

Depending on the type of stroke and the cause different modes of travel may be recommended.

Most people can fly after a stroke so don’t be afraid to ask. The advice varies and some consultants will advise not to fly for up to 6 months after a stroke, but please speak with your GP about this if you are planning to fly.

Getting back to driving

If your problems have resolved within 28 days after your stroke you can get back to driving.

Should you have any ongoing problems 28 days after your stroke you should work with your therapy team and have conversations with your GP about your safety to drive again.

If you do have problems 28 days post stroke it is recommended, you tell the DVLA.

Important

Always tell your insurance company that you have had a stroke.

The most common difficulties which affect driving ability are:

Upper and lower limb weakness
Coordination difficulties
Sensory changes
Visual loss
Memory and thinking (planning and risk awareness).

Your therapist or GP may ask you to book in with a driving instructor for a couple of sessions if we feel as though you are safe but need a little reassurance.

Financial support

Some people may not be able to return to work or may have financial difficulties. This may be because you are having to pay for care or buy items to support with recovery.

There is financial aid to support. Attendance Allowance can be applied for and claimed 6 months after the stroke. Please note, it will be rejected any sooner unless you meet specific criteria.

There are teams within social care who can provide financial support in different situations. Personal Independence Payments (PIP) can also be applied for. Speak to your local teams for financial support specific to your area.

For more information on financial support services in your area, please visit the Stroke Association for information about financial help after stroke such as information on energy grants and housing grants as well as carers allowance and sick pay advice.