HealthInfo Canterbury
Life after a stroke
What can I do?
Have regular check-ups with your general practice team.- 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 general practice team. 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. You'll need a note from your doctor to support your application to join this scheme.
- 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.
Physical Sense Gym
Stroke rehabilitation classes with a qualified physiotherapist are held at the Physical Sense Gym at 300 Colombo St, Sydenham. The Physical Sense Gym is a public gym that caters for older people. The first four sessions are free. After that, you can get a subsidised gym membership. If you receive Work and Income (WINZ) help, you may be able to get a full subsidy for your gym membership. See this pamphlet for more details and to check if you meet the criteria for attending the classes. Ask your GP if the classes would help you. Phone (03) 377‑2577 to register for a class.
Cantabrainers Therapeutic Choir
Cantabrainers Therapeutic Choir is a choir for people with conditions such as Parkinson disease, stroke and multiple sclerosis. The choir differs from other choirs since the purpose of the singing is about learning to use the voice effectively, in a fun way. Phone (03) 377‑5280.
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 for adults.
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. Last updated January 2019.
See also:
Community groups for communication difficulties
Review key: HISTK-21790
