Carers for stroke victims in Yorkshire are '˜lacking crucial support'

Research by the Stroke Association has found that 58 per cent of carers did not receive a carer’s assessment, which provides access to practical, emotional and financial support.

More than half of the carers surveyed also reported that they did not feel prepared when the person they cared for was discharged from hospital.

The charity stated that its research, which involved surveying more than 1,100 stroke survivors, carers and professionals, backs its own calls for Government to commit to a new stroke strategy.

Julia MacLeod, regional director, said: “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.”

She added that more than 80 per cent of those surveyed said that they sometimes found it difficult to cope.

Ms MacLeod continued: “Too many are being denied the vital support they need, and are left facing this situation with little or no external support.”

The findings come after further Stroke Association research suggested half of stroke survivors in Yorkshire feel abandoned when they leave hospital.

The National Stroke Strategy for England was introduced to improve standards in treatment and support for people affected by stroke. The strategy is due to expire in 2017, prompting the charity’s A New Era for Stroke campaign amid fears that stroke survivors could soon be denied access to support.

A public petition calling for a new strategy to be introduced has already been backed by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and British Association of Stroke Physicians. For further information visit stroke.org.uk/petition.