Life After a Stroke

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Understanding the effects of stroke

A stroke can affect people in many different ways. Some effects are immediately visible, while others may be less obvious to family, friends and colleagues.

A person may experience:

• Weakness or reduced movement on one side of the body

• Difficulties with walking, balance or coordination

• Tiredness and post-stroke fatigue

• Problems with memory, concentration or planning

• Communication difficulties, including aphasia

• Changes in vision or awareness

• Anxiety, frustration or low mood

• Reduced confidence or independence

• Difficulty completing familiar everyday activities

Our programmes can be adapted around the person’s individual abilities, needs and recovery goals.

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Getting active

Being active after a stroke can support mobility, strength, balance, confidence and general wellbeing. Getting active does not have to mean taking part in strenuous exercise. It may begin with gentle seated movement, assisted activity or practising everyday movements.

RE:MOVE activities may include:

• Seated and supported exercise

• Strength and flexibility activities

• Balance and coordination work

• Walking and mobility practice

• Functional movement for everyday tasks

• Activities to improve confidence when moving

• Gentle group exercise and social activities

Every activity is adapted to the individual’s abilities. Stroke survivors should follow the advice of their physiotherapist, doctor or rehabilitation professional before beginning a new exercise programme.

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Thinking, memory and communication

A stroke can affect the way a person thinks, remembers, concentrates and communicates. This can make everyday situations frustrating, tiring or overwhelming.

Our cognitive and communication activities are designed to be enjoyable, meaningful and appropriate to each person. They may include:

• Memory and matching games

• Word and picture activities

• Reading, writing and number exercises

• Puzzles and problem-solving

• Planning everyday tasks

• Reminiscence and discussion activities

• Supported conversations

• Cooking, shopping and money-management activities

• Creative activities that encourage concentration and coordination

We give people time to process information and express themselves without pressure. Instructions can be broken into manageable steps, using pictures, demonstrations and prompts where helpful.

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Managing post-stroke fatigue

Post-stroke fatigue is more than ordinary tiredness. It can affect physical movement, concentration, emotions and the ability to complete daily activities. It may not always improve after sleep or rest.

We encourage people to understand their energy levels and find a manageable balance between activity and rest. This can include:

• Planning demanding activities for the best time of day

• Breaking activities into smaller stages

• Taking regular rest breaks

• Alternating physical and cognitive activities

• Recognising signs of tiredness

• Developing a consistent daily routine

• Celebrating progress without placing the person under pressure

Fatigue is not laziness or a lack of motivation. Our team will listen, adapt activities and help each person participate at a pace that is right for them.

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Emotional wellbeing and confidence

A stroke can change how someone feels about themselves and their future. Feelings of shock, frustration, anxiety, sadness, anger or grief can be a natural response to such a significant life event.

Our supportive environment gives people opportunities to talk, build friendships and regain confidence without judgement. Social activities, exercise, creativity and achievable goals can help people reconnect with the things they enjoy.

Anyone experiencing persistent anxiety, low mood or emotional changes should speak to their GP or another healthcare professional. Emotional recovery is just as important as physical recovery.

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Rebuilding everyday independence

Everyday activities are an important part of recovery. Tasks that were once automatic may take more time, concentration or support following a stroke.

Our practical life-skills activities may include:

• Preparing drinks, snacks and meals

• Shopping and making choices

• Household activities

• Using money safely

• Planning a daily or weekly routine

• Using a phone, calendar or reminder

• Gardening and creative projects

• Practising communication in everyday situations

• Building confidence in the community

The aim is not to take over, but to provide the right level of support so that each person can participate, make choices and develop greater independence.

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Eating well after a stroke

A nutritious, balanced diet can support general health and help people manage risk factors associated with another stroke, including high blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol.

We encourage enjoyable meals that include a balanced variety of foods. Through our cooking and life-skills activities, stroke survivors can take part in choosing meals, preparing ingredients and building confidence in the kitchen.

We also offer nutritious cooked meals to take home, helping people access a wholesome meal after leaving the centre.

Anyone who has difficulty chewing or swallowing, or who has been advised to follow a texture-modified diet, should follow the recommendations of their speech and language therapist, dietitian or healthcare team. Please speak to us about individual dietary requirements before ordering meals.

Healthy routines and reducing future risk

Looking after general health is an important part of life after a stroke. This may include:

• Taking prescribed medication correctly

• Attending medical and rehabilitation appointments

• Eating a balanced diet

• Staying active at a safe and appropriate level

• Monitoring conditions such as blood pressure or diabetes

• Avoiding smoking

• Limiting alcohol

• Getting enough rest and sleep

Medication should never be stopped or changed without speaking to a doctor, pharmacist or prescribing professional.

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Relationships and social connection

Stroke can affect friendships, family relationships and a person’s social life. Communication difficulties, fatigue, reduced mobility or loss of confidence can make it harder to take part in activities or stay connected.

RE:MOVE provides opportunities to meet others, share experiences and enjoy activities in a welcoming environment. People can take part in group exercise, cooking, gardening, arts and crafts, games, social events and other activities based on their interests.

Being part of a community can help reduce isolation and remind people that they are more than their stroke.

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Returning to work, driving and community life

Some stroke survivors may want to return to employment, volunteering, education, driving or previous hobbies. Others may decide that different goals are more appropriate.

Returning to these activities should be planned carefully and at the right pace. It may involve adjustments, shorter hours, additional support, new ways of completing tasks or advice from an occupational health professional.

There are legal and medical rules about driving after a stroke. Do not return to driving until you have followed the advice of your doctor and checked the current DVLA guidance on stroke and driving.

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Support for families and carers

A stroke affects families and carers as well as the person who experienced it. Supporting someone through recovery can be rewarding, but it can also be physically and emotionally demanding.

We want families and carers to feel informed, included and supported. With the stroke survivor’s consent, we can:

• Discuss their goals and progress

• Share appropriate ways to support participation

• Help families understand changes following stroke

• Signpost carers to additional information and support

• Encourage a consistent approach between home and the centre

Carers also need time to rest, look after their own wellbeing and ask for help when they need it.

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Setting achievable recovery goals

Meaningful goals can help people remain motivated and recognise their progress. Goals should be personal, realistic and based on what matters to the individual.

A goal could be:

• Making a drink safely

• Walking a short distance with support

• Joining a group activity

• Remembering part of a daily routine

• Preparing a simple meal

• Using a phone or calendar

• Taking part in a conversation

• Returning to a favourite hobby

• Feeling confident enough to go into the community

We can help break larger goals into smaller, achievable steps and review them as the person’s abilities and priorities change.

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How RE:MOVE can help

Hazeltree Care Services and RE:MOVE bring together physical activity, cognitive support, practical life skills and social connection in one welcoming recovery environment.

Depending on individual assessment and agreed support arrangements, our programme can include:

• Person-centred recovery goals

• Mobility, strength and balance activities

• Cognitive and communication exercises

• Cooking and everyday life-skills sessions

• Creative and recreational activities

• Social groups and peer connection

• Nutritious meals to enjoy or take home

• Progress reviews

• Support for families and carers

• Communication with relevant professionals, with consent

Our aim is to help every person feel supported, valued and encouraged as they move forward with life after their stroke.

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You do not have to navigate life after stroke alone

Whether you are a stroke survivor, family member, carer or professional, our team would be pleased to speak with you.

Contact RE:MOVE at Hazeltree Care Services to arrange a visit, discuss your recovery goals or find out how our programmes could support you.

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Know the signs of stroke

If someone develops new facial weakness, arm weakness or speech difficulties, call 999 immediately. Even if the symptoms improve or disappear, urgent medical assessment is still required.

Visit the NHS stroke symptoms page for further information.

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Important safety information

The information and external resources on this page are provided for general guidance and do not replace personalised medical or rehabilitation advice. Before beginning a new exercise or recovery programme, please speak to your GP, physiotherapist, stroke nurse or rehabilitation professional. Activities should be adapted to individual abilities and completed with appropriate support or supervision where required.