Stroke survivors face higher living expenses

One in three people who have survived a stroke face higher living expenses as a result, a poll found today.

Some 33% of patients were forced to make adaptations to the home to cope with disability or had to pay more to heat the house during the day because they could not work.

The survey of almost 800 UK sufferers for the Stroke Association also found almost one in five (18%) had suffered a loss of income since their stroke.

Those with difficulty speaking and communicating were significantly more likely to experience problems at work, suffer a reduced income or higher expenses.

Overall, 52% of people employed at the time of their stroke said it had a negative impact in this area, such as having to give up work or reduce hours.

Joe Korner, director of communications at The Stroke Association, said: "This report paints a bleak picture of stroke survivors struggling to make ends meet.

"The survey revealed that over half of people (54%) didn't receive the information they needed after their stroke, such as advice on diet and benefits entitlements.

"We know that many people have to give up work and go on benefits to survive hand-to-mouth, so it's distressing to find out, that despite the progress made in improving stroke provision in recent years, people aren't getting the support they need."

Stroke, which costs the NHS more than £3 billion a year, is one of the top three causes of death in England and the biggest cause of adult disability.

There are some 110,000 strokes and 20,000 transient ischemic attacks (sometimes called "minor" strokes) every year in England.

Around 300,000 people are living with moderate to severe disability following a stroke.