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Jun 10, 2016 09:53 BST
Carers for stroke survivors ‘denied vitalsupport’
New figures released by the Stroke Association today (Friday 10 June) revealthat well over half of carers for people affected by stroke living in Englandareare potentially going without vital support and benefits.
The charity’s latest survey of over 1,100 stroke survivors, carers andprofessionals has found that well over half (61%) of carers for people affectedby stroke living in England did not receive a carer’s assessment, whichprovides 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 theperson they cared for was discharged from hospital.
Alexis Wieroniey, Deputy Director Policy and Influencing at the StrokeAssociation, said: “Carers are under immense pressure, supporting their lovedones whose speech, mobility and emotional wellbeing could all be affectedfollowing a stroke. These latest figures show that that too many are beingdenied the vital support they need, and are left facing this situation withlittle or no external support.
“It comes as no surprise that three quarters (76%) of carers in England told usthat it is sometimes difficult to cope, andalmost half (48%) said they did nothave 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 inan instant, and throws husbands, wives, partners and children into crisis.These figures show that too many carers are being let down by a lack ofsupport or training, and are left struggling to come to terms with what isoften a life-changing situation. This is why we’re calling for a new nationalstroke strategy for England: we can help lighten the load for carers if theright care and support is in place to help stroke survivors make their bestpossible recovery.
Actress and TV favourite Pam Ferris has lent her support to the charity’scampaign, saying:"Carers continue to care, even when their world has beenturned 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 StrokeCampaign during National Carers Week".
The Stroke Association’s latest campaign, A New Era for Stroke, calls on theGovernment to commit to a new stroke strategy. The current 10-year NationalStroke Strategy for England ends in 2017, and the charity is warning thatstroke survivors will be denied access to the support they need, putting carersat risk of additional strain, unless the Government commits to a new strategy.
The Stroke Association has launched a public petition, calling on theGovernment to commit to a new national stroke strategy. To add your name,visit: www.stroke.org.uk/petition.
A stroke is a brain attack which happens when the blood supply to the brainis cut off, caused by a clot or bleeding in the brain. There are around 152,000strokes 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 wecan conquer stroke. We work directly with stroke survivors and their familiesand carers, with health and social care professionals and with scientists andresearchers. We campaign to improve stroke care and support people to makethe best recovery they can. We fund research to develop new treatments andways of preventing stroke. The Stroke Helpline (0303 303 3100) providesinformation and support on stroke. More information can be found atwww.stroke.org.uk
Contacts
Sokina MiahPress ContactPress OfficerUK national [email protected] 566 0337
Angela MacleodPress ContactCommunications OfficerScotland and [email protected] 555 7244
Joe KennyPress ContactPress OfficerNorthern Ireland and [email protected] 083 40207392 083402
Ken ScottPress ContactPress OfficerNorth of [email protected] 778 8429
Martin OxleyPress ContactPress OfficerSouth of [email protected] 566 1548
Vicki HallPress ContactPR ManagerFundraising and local [email protected] 742 7478
Scott WeddellPress ContactPR ManagerPolicy and [email protected] 566 1528
Out of hours contactPress ContactMedia [email protected] 436008
