All the support your mum needs after a stroke. In the place she feels best.

Adjusting to life after a stroke can be challenging. You might feel exhausted, anxious about the future, or even angry about what has happened to you or a loved one. But remember, you’re not alone. 

At Bluebird Care, we provide the extra home care and support you need to navigate these challenges. Our dedicated team is experienced in offering practical, emotional, and social support to help you enjoy a normal, independent life.

What is a stroke?

A stroke happens when a blood vessel in the brain either bursts or gets blocked, stopping blood from reaching the brain. Since every stroke is unique, the effects can vary widely from person to person, depending on where and how much damage has been done to the brain cells.

In the UK, around 150,000 people face this challenge each year. Strokes can happen to anyone, at any age, but it’s more common for those over 65, with about 75% of cases occurring in this age group. Certain factors like family history, diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure can raise the likelihood of having a stroke.

If you’d like to learn more about stroke and support networks, please visit the Stroke Association.

What are the after effects of a stroke?

A stroke can change life for both the person affected and their loved ones. The road to recovery can be full of ups and downs, as every stroke impacts individuals in unique ways. From communication challenges to emotional shifts, a variety of after-effects can arise, affecting different aspects of daily life. Below are some of the common after-effects:

• Aphasia: This condition involves difficulties with speaking, understanding speech, reading, or writing due to changes in the brain.
  • Expressive aphasia: Individuals may struggle to form words or sentences, which can lead to frustration.
  • Receptive aphasia: There can be challenges in understanding spoken or written language.
• Non-verbal communication difficulties: Many may find it challenging to interpret body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice.
• Memory challenges: Difficulty recalling words or names can occur, making conversations more complicated.
• Impaired social skills: Individuals may have trouble maintaining conversations, recognising social cues, or engaging in small talk.
• Weakness or paralysis: This often affects one side of the body (hemiparesis or hemiplegia), making movement more difficult.
• Coordination and balance issues: There may be difficulties in walking, maintaining stability, or performing daily activities.
• Fatigue: Persistent tiredness can be experienced, often disproportionate to the level of activity.
• Seizures: Some individuals may experience seizures post-stroke due to changes in brain activity.
• Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia): Trouble swallowing food or liquids can increase the risk of choking.
• Incontinence: Challenges with bladder or bowel control may lead to accidents and feelings of embarrassment.
• Depression: Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or a lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities can arise.
• Anxiety: Concerns about health, recovery, and the future may contribute to increased stress.
• Emotional changes: Rapid mood swings or uncontrollable emotions, such as crying or laughing unexpectedly, may be observed.

Tailored after stroke care at home

We’re dedicated to providing compassionate care after a stroke to support you and your family during this challenging time. Our Care Experts are specially trained to meet your loved one's unique needs as you recover, offering a range of services designed to enhance your quality of life. 

From personalised rehabilitation support and assistance with daily activities to help with communication and emotional well-being, we ensure you receive tailored after-stroke care at home. Our goal is to empower your loved one to regain your independence while also providing reassurance and guidance to you and your family, creating a nurturing environment for healing and growth.

• Support with rehabilitation: We encourage you to relearn skills and discover new ways to manage everyday tasks.
• A good morning start: Our team can help you wash, dress, and enjoy a healthy breakfast to set a positive tone for your day.
• Engagement in meaningful activities: We’ll support you in connecting with friends and family, or simply enjoy a stroll in your neighbourhood.
• Practical help around the home: Whether it’s housework, shopping, or laundry, we’re here to lend a hand.
• Medication management: We assist with taking your medicines and ensure you always have a ready supply.
• Nutritious meal preparation: We help you eat well, providing support to reduce the risk of further strokes.
• Nighttime comfort: We offer a nightly call to ensure you’re settled comfortably in bed.
• 24-hour home care service: Whether you need short-term relief for your caregivers or ongoing care, we’re here to support you.

Getting started

If you think Bluebird Care could be just what your loved one needs, or even if you’re not sure, we’d love to chat. That way we can learn about you and your loved one, and let you know how we can help.