Press release -
Carers for stroke survivors ‘denied vital support’
New figures released by the Stroke Association today (Friday 10 June) reveal that well over half of carers for people affected by stroke living in Englandare are potentially going without vital support and benefits.
The charity’s latest survey of over 1,100 stroke survivors, carers and professionals has found that well over half (61%) of carers for people affected by stroke living in England did not receive a carer’s assessment, which provides access to practical, emotional and financial support.
Around half (52%) of carers for people affected by stroke living in England also told the Stroke Association that they did not feel prepared when the person they cared for was discharged from hospital.
Alexis Wieroniey, Deputy Director Policy and Influencing at the Stroke Association, said: “Carers are under immense pressure, supporting their loved ones whose speech, mobility and emotional wellbeing could all be affected following a stroke. These latest figures show that that too many are being denied the vital support they need, and are left facing this situation with little or no external support.
“It comes as no surprise that three quarters (76%) of carers in England told us that it is sometimes difficult to cope, andalmost half (48%) said they did not have enough help and support once the person they cared for returned home.
“Stroke causes an emotional shockwave for stroke survivors and their families – many of whom become unpaid carers overnight. The condition can strike in an instant, and throws husbands, wives, partners and children into crisis. These figures show that too many carers are being let down by a lack of support or training, and are left struggling to come to terms with what is often a life-changing situation. This is why we’re calling for a new national stroke strategy for England: we can help lighten the load for carers if the right care and support is in place to help stroke survivors make their best possible recovery.
Actress and TV favourite Pam Ferris has lent her support to the charity’s campaign, saying:"Carers continue to care, even when their world has been turned upside-down by a loved one’s stroke. They are our unsung heroes - that’s why I am supporting The Stroke Association’s New Era for Stroke Campaign during National Carers Week".
The Stroke Association’s latest campaign, A New Era for Stroke, calls on the Government to commit to a new stroke strategy. The current 10-year National Stroke Strategy for England ends in 2017, and the charity is warning that stroke survivors will be denied access to the support they need, putting carers at risk of additional strain, unless the Government commits to a new strategy.
The Stroke Association has launched a public petition, calling on the Government to commit to a new national stroke strategy. To add your name, visit: www.stroke.org.uk/petition.
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A stroke is a brain attack which happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, caused by a clot or bleeding in the brain. There are around 152,000 strokes in the UK every year and it is one of the largest causes of disability. There are over 1.2 million people in the UK living with the effects of stroke.
Stroke Association is a charity. We believe in life after stroke and together we can conquer stroke. We work directly with stroke survivors and their families and carers, with health and social care professionals and with scientists and researchers. We campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best recovery they can. We fund research to develop new treatments and ways of preventing stroke. The Stroke Helpline (0303 303 3100) provides information and support on stroke. More information can be found at www.stroke.org.uk
