Stroke support scheme's success

Older people who have suffered a stroke are benefiting from a support scheme that helps them to return home. Over the last three months, Leicestershire County Council’s stroke project has assisted four people to return home, instead of remaining in residential care.
Under the previous system, stroke patients were assessed in hospital as to whether they required residential care, or could look after themselves with support at home. In some cases, patients who had moved into care homes had continued to recover months later, but a possible return home was compromised by their tenancies being given up or their homes being sold.

In February, the council launched a trial project for the north of the county, to offer people more assistance to return home. It intends to extend the scheme to the south of the county in July. Stroke patients are given short-term places in a care home, which provides a safe environment while their future skills are assessed.

These patients are then assisted by Leicestershire County Council’s Homecare, Assessment and Reablement Team to explore going home, accompanied for home visits of increasing lengths of time, to build up confidence and skills. If they are successful during these home visits, a package of care including home care and home adaptations is provided, to enable them to move back home on a full-time basis.

David Sprason, Cabinet member for Adults and Communities, said: This scheme has made a real difference to people’s lives.

Strokes can have a major, immediate impact on people but with this kind of support, many of them can recover sufficiently to return home and continue to live independent lives.”

Simon Cook, East Midlands Regional Manager with the Stroke Association, said: The Stroke Association welcomes any initiative which helps stroke survivors to regain their independence following their stroke.

Most people benefit from continuing their rehabilitation at home, so as long as it is safe for them and they are supported well, this is to be welcomed.

The Stroke Association is very pleased to see new innovations in adult care and feel this is a very positive step by the County Council.”

For further details about the stroke project, contact Yvonne Clewes on 0116 305 6627 or by email on yvonne.clewes@leics.gov.uk

For more information about services for people affected by Stroke visit: www.leics.gov.uk/stroke