RECOVERING from a stroke, even a mild stroke, has been described as a significant challenge for even the most capable or independent of us.
Lack of access to support services particularly speech pathologists in the days and weeks after the stroke has been identified as a major problem on the Bass Coast.
Invited by the Stroke Association of Victoria to share their experiences at the Wonthaggi Power Social Clubrooms stroke survivors in Wonthaggi spoke of the need for support in and out of hospital.
The Stroke Association of Victoria (SAV) is a community-based support service for people re-entering their lives after having a stroke with a focus on community stroke support programs and services.
“Our aim is to bridge the gap from when a stroke survivor leaves clinical care to when they are able to re-engage with their community,” said Neville Taylor SAV Board Member and Treasurer.
Peer stroke support and discussion groups have been organised on a fortnightly rotating basis at PICAL in Cowes and the Power social clubrooms in Wonthaggi.
The discussion groups are a safe space where stroke survivors and carers can come together to provide each other with emotional support and mutual understanding.
“Stroke can happen to anyone, of any age, at any time,” according to Neville Taylor.
“It’s vital to know how to spot the signs of a stroke in yourself or someone else.”
The FAST test can help identify the most common signs of a stroke.
Facial weakness – Can the person smile, has their mouth or eye drooped?
Arm weakness – Can the person raise both arms?
Speech problems – Can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?
Time to call 000 if any of these signs are evident.
Acting FAST will give the person having a stroke the best chance of survival and recovery, always call 000 straight away.
Ambulance paramedics are trained in stroke and will ensure the person receives emergency medical care and specialist treatment.
Although the FAST test helps to spot the three most
common symptoms of stroke there are other signs that should always be taken seriously including sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, including legs, hands or feet, difficulty finding words or speaking in clear sentences, sudden blurred vision or loss of sight in one or both eyes, sudden memory loss or confusion, dizziness or a sudden fall, or a sudden, severe headache.
The Wonthaggi discussion group heard from a female stroke survivor who 12 days after being released from hospital had still not been contacted for follow-up support.
“Her speech had been affected and no one was helping,” said Mr Taylor.
The woman felt abandoned by the health system with no speech pathology services for stroke survivors in Wonthaggi.
“Speech is often impacted by a stroke depending on which side of the brain is affected,” said Mr Taylor.
Speech can be impaired but not body movement.
The feeling of being isolated in the community is common.
“People can learn so much from talking to each other.”
Stroke survivors can also be put in contact with others in the allied health industry, helped to navigate the NDIS and assisted with accessing disability pensions.
The Wonthaggi stroke discussion group will meet fortnightly on Wednesdays from May 7 at 10am in the social clubrooms of Wonthaggi Power at the Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve.
To find out more go to strokeassociation.com.au or email info@strokeassociation.com.au.