A new report reveals for the first time the extent of the financial impact of having a stroke, making stroke survivors amongst the most vulnerable in society.
The UK Stroke Survivor Needs Survey, commissioned by The Stroke Association, has revealed that more than half of the people employed at the time of their stroke (52%) said it had a negative impact on their work, meaning they’d had to reduce their hours or give up work entirely.
The study gathered data from a total of 799 respondents throughout the UK and is the first of its size to offer a compelling and accurate reflection of the challenges that stroke survivors face.
A fifth of people (18%) said they’d had a loss of income since their stroke and a third (33%) said they’d had to endure an increase in expenses, such as making adaptations to their home or having to pay more to heat their home during the day because they can’t work.
The report also showed that people who had difficultly speaking and communicating after their stroke were significantly more likely to experience problems with their work, income and increased expenses.
Joe Korner, Director of Communications for The Stroke Association said, “This report paints a bleak picture of stroke survivors struggling to make ends meet. The survey revealed that over half of people (54%) didn’t receive the information they needed after their stroke, such as advice on diet and benefits entitlements. We know that many people have to give up work and go on benefits to survive hand-to-mouth, so it’s distressing to find out, that despite the progress made in improving stroke provision in recent years, people aren’t getting the support they need.
“We are worried that existing services to help people with their communication problems, paid for by local authorities and PCTs may now be under threat. With local authorities having to cut spending by 7% a year, it’s possible they will raise the eligibility criteria to receive care. It is vital that stroke survivors do not fall into a black hole.”
The survey, which was lead by researchers at King’s College London, aimed to find out the extent of problems people have to deal with following a stroke. It found that almost half of those questioned had on average three unmet needs, meaning that they weren’t getting any support or help with their problems.
Dr Christopher McKevitt, the lead author of the report from King’s College London said, “Much of the previous research into stroke has focused on hospital care and this is the first time that the difficulties stroke survivors face when they get home have been looked at in detail.
“Our research shows that stroke is a long-term condition and the appropriate support is needed to help address these problems.”
Gina, 40, from Ropley in Hampshire is one of many stroke survivors who have faced financial hardship since her stroke two years ago following an operation on her heart. Prior to her stroke, Gina was a chef and a restaurant manager at a local golf club.
“I’ve always been incredibly independent and have worked hard to raise my three children single-handedly. My stroke has left me paralysed down the right side of my body, with communication difficulties, memory problems and I’m unable to read or write.
“I can’t return to work and it has been devastating to give up my career. The last two years have been a real struggle and I’m now relying on benefits. I receive payments from the county council to pay for my care for ten hours a week, and my son decided to leave university to help me more around the home.”
Gina has also experienced an increase in expenditure – for example, she now has to pay more to heat her home as she is at home for the majority of the day. This, combined with being solely reliant on benefits and with no second income has meant that the situation is very tough.
“I really hope one day I’ll be able to work again, but in the meantime I’m volunteering with The Stroke Association to help others regain their speech after a stroke.”
Source: The Stroke Associaton