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CHARITY CALLS FOR BETTER SUPPORT FOR STROKE CARERS
Monday 21 September 2009
A leading medical charity is calling for more training and support to be given to 'a forgotten army' of carers looking after a family member who has had a stroke.
Research funded by Northern Ireland Chest, Heart and Stroke at the University of Ulster has found that most people are unprepared for the huge impact of the condition and simply do not have the range of skills needed.
Preliminary findings from the study - led by Professor Kader Parahoo - at the university's Institute of Nursing Research suggest that:
- More women than men are involved in caring for someone who has had a stroke
- Carers may themselves be in poor health or be elderly
- The needs of carers change over time, but they don't always receive adequate and appropriate information.
NI Chest, Heart and Stroke provides a range of services in every area of Northern Ireland, including its Stroke Family Liaison Service, but it says more training needs to be given to carers when a family member leaves hospital.
"Carers of people with stroke save the Health Service millions of pounds every year in Northern Ireland," said the charity's Chief Executive, Andrew Dougal. "But society expects them to become unpaid nurses overnight. They accept that role with no complaint, but there is a huge hidden problem of stress, exhaustion and lack of skills, which needs to be addressed. Carers are very appreciative of input from physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists, but very disappointed when such therapies are not offered, offered late, or are of limited duration. At NI Chest, Heart and Stroke, we do what we can to offer support. But society as a whole needs to do more for the forgotten army of carers."
Dr Rosanne Cecil of the research team said: "The biggest need expressed by carers is to receive information when they need it. In the early days after stroke, diagnosis and long-term outlook tends to be their main concern, while later rehabilitation and family finances become the biggest issue. They also need training in the skills needed to care for someone with stroke, particularly when someone has been severely incapacitated."
NI Chest, Heart and Stroke has launched a province-wide billboard advertising campaign to draw attention to the plight of carers. It is also running a range of events to support carers of stroke, with information sessions in hospitals and a stroke carers' day out at the Hilton Hotel in Templepatrick.
Said Mr Dougal: "It's important that everyone becomes more aware of the impact of stroke, which can devastate lives in a split second. Carers are not looking for pity, but for recognition of their needs. Sometimes they simply need a break from the day's routine and from the isolation that stroke can cause."
Stroke is the largest cause of disability in Northern Ireland. This year, 4,000 local people will suffer a stroke. One third will die, one third will make a recovery with no significant lasting effects and one third will be left with long-term disability.
If you need support and advice in caring for stroke please contact the Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke advice line on 08457 697 299 or go to www.nichsa.com.
