HealthInfo Canterbury
Life after a stroke
What can I do?
Have regular check-ups with your GP.- Learn the FAST check so you can recognise the symptoms of a stroke. If you've had a stroke, you have a higher risk than normal of having another one. So it's important that you know what to look out for.
- Discuss risk factors and lifestyle changes with your GP. You can’t control all risk factors, but lifestyle changes can help you lower some risks. This means:
- Take any medication prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor might prescribe medicine to:
- lower your cholesterol
- control your blood pressure
- control your blood glucose (sugar) if you have diabetes.
They might also prescribe anti-clotting medicines, such as aspirin or clopidogrel.
- See a speech-language therapist if you have problems with swallowing or speech and communication.
- Don't drive, until your doctor tells you that this is OK. The Total Mobility scheme provides half-price taxi fares with approved taxi companies for people with permanent disabilities that stop them using public transport.
- Consider joining the Stroke Foundation.
What can I do if I'm caring for someone who has had a stroke?
- Read the Carers New Zealand booklet A guide for carers.
- Consider joining the Stroke Foundation and finding out if a carers support group is available in your area.
- Learn about financial help that may be available.
Who can help me?
Community Stroke Rehabilitation Service
People who've had a stroke may be eligible for the Community Stroke Rehabilitation Service. This service consists of a range of health professionals who'll visit you at home or in a residential care facility.
Physiotherapists
How Physio can help after a stroke from Physiotherapy New Zealand will tell you how a physiotherapist can help you recover. See Find a physio for help finding a local physiotherapist.
Occupational therapists
An occupational therapist can help you regain the skills you need to do everyday activities.
The Stroke Foundation
The Stroke Foundation represents the interests of stroke survivors and their families. It works with them to improve the quality of life of those affected by stroke. It has Community Stroke Advisers who can help with any stroke-related problems. They make hospital and home visits, and provide support and information. They can also provide information about stroke clubs, groups and carer support. For more information, phone (03) 381‑8500.
Rehabilitation programmes
See the Sport Canterbury Activities Directory for details of programmes and classes to help with stroke rehabilitation.
Cantabrainers Choir
Cantabrainers Choir is a choir for people with conditions such as Parkinson disease, stroke and multiple sclerosis. Participating in Cantabrainers Choir helps people improve their voice and communication through singing and socialising. You can contact the Cantabrainers Choir by email.
The choir meets during school terms, every Wednesday from 10 am to 11.45 am at the Mary Potter Community Centre, 442 Durham St North. There's a charge of $10 for each session.
St John of God Health and Ability Services
Supportive and personalised exercise, thinking and communication groups. These are held every Wednesday afternoon, at 26 Nash Rd, Halswell. Exercise group from 1:15 to 2 pm, refreshments from 2 to 2:30 pm, and thinking and communication group from 2:30 to 3:15 pm. Cost: $5 a session. No need to book – just turn up. Phone Jack on (03) 338‑2009 for more information.
Other services
The Family Services Directory page lists a range of services that may be available to help if you've had a stroke.
What financial help is available?
For information about funding that your GP might be able to use to reduce the cost of your health care, see Funding schemes at your general practice.
To find out about the disability allowance benefit, see Disability allowance.
Transport and parking has information about mobility parking permits, the Total Mobility half-price taxi scheme, and other transport options.
Carers of people who've had strokes may be eligible for Respite Care Services and Carer Support. To get either kind of support, the person who has had a stroke must be assessed by the Needs Assessment Service (NASC).
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed April 2018.
See also:
Community groups for communication difficulties
Review key: HISTK-21790
