Staying healthy
- Niamh Gunning, Medical Social Worker
- 5 minute read
- Last updated: September 2023
The impact of stroke is significant, and in most cases, this impact extends beyond the individual to their family and loved ones. As a family member or loved one of someone who has had a stroke, your own emotional wellbeing and physical health should be considered.
While one size does not fit all, please keep reading to discover ways in which you can ‘Stay Healthy’ following a family member or loved one’s stroke.
In Hospital
The days and weeks following a stroke can be a very stressful time for family members and loved ones. The hospital environment may be new to you. The medical terms and references can be difficult to understand. You will likely meet a range of different professionals with interlocking roles.
Here are some tips for navigating this time:
1. Practical tips:
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Be aware of hospital visiting times.
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Be aware on visiting numbers. If you have a big family, you may need to visit in turns.
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Be aware of infection control policies (e.g. you may need to wear a mask when visiting).
2. Navigating the team:
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Your family member will have a treating Consultant with a team of doctors.
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Your family member will have an allocated nurse each day. The ward/area will also have a nurse in charge or ‘Clinical Nurse Manager’.
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Your family member may receive support from a number of various health care professionals. These include physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, psychologists, dieticians and medical social workers.
3. What to expect:
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Every individual’s hospital journey will be different. Your family members “team” will be able to guide you on your family members’ individual hospital journey.
I'm finding the hospitalisation of a loved one is difficult.
You may experience challenges associated with your love ones hospitalisation. Examples of challenges that you may face include:
1. The financial impact
Your family member being in hospital may result in a financial toll. You may be taking time off work, or being impacted by the cost of traveling to and from the hospital.
Ask your employer
If you are in employment, talk to your employer for guidance.
Niamh Gunning | Medical Social Worker |
2. The emotional impact
Your family member being in hospital can be an extremely stressful and worrying time.
Talk to family, friends or your GP for support.
Talk to family members and friends and try to support each other. Talk to your GP if you are finding things particularly difficult.
Niamh Gunning | Medical Social Worker |
3. The practical impact
Your family member may have been working before their stroke, or had other commitments such as caring for children of their own, or providing care to others.
Ask that you are referred to a Medical Social Worker for support
You may be able to request that your family member is referred to the Medical Social Worker for support and advice in relation to this. The Medical Social Worker can advise on financial entitlements. They can also link with other services in the community and provide you with advice and guidance.
Niamh Gunning | Medical Social Worker |
After Hospital
I am now caring for my loved one
Often, individuals require support from family members following a stroke. This may be practical support, domestic support, support with personal care, financial support, or something else. This may be a big change in dynamic from your previous relationship with the individual.
Things to be aware of
1. Entitlements for carers
You may be entitled to Carer’s Allowance or some other form of social welfare support. Talk to your local Intreo Centre about your individual circumstances.
Contact details for Intreo Centres
2. The importance of self-care
Caring for your family member or loved one can impact your own well-being. You may experience stress, fatigue, or worry. You may have heard sayings like: 'you can't care for someone else, if you're not caring for yourself'. This saying is very true.
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Please be aware of the importance of self-care. This may be include having your own hobbies, keeping active, getting emotional support, or simply being kind to yourself.
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3. Care available in the community:
It may not always be possible to provide all the care your family member requires. Be aware of the following supports available in the community:
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Your Public Health Nurse may be able to support with an application for ‘Home Support’ (a carer visiting your family member at home). You can find your Public Health Nurse via your local Primary Care Centre.
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Respite may be required if you care for your family member on an ongoing basis and need some “time off”. If you wish to discuss this further, contact your Public Health Nurse.
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There may be a Day Centre available in your local area, which may be helpful. Contact your local Primary Care Centre to enquire about local Day Centres.
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“Meals on Wheels” is a meal delivery service available in a lot of communities around Ireland. Contact your local Primary Care Centre to enquire about Meals on Wheels.
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