How Can a Live-in Carer Support Someone Who Has Had a Stroke?
For many stroke survivors, home is where recovery feels most comfortable. Familiar surroundings, close friends, and family nearby can provide reassurance and stability. With a Live-in Carer by your side, you can receive 24-hour, tailored care that supports your independence while giving you choice and control over daily life.
Living Well at Home After a Stroke
Strokes are sudden and life-changing, often leaving lasting effects. Common symptoms include muscle weakness or paralysis (typically on one side of the body), stiffness, communication difficulties, pain, and fatigue. With the expert support of a Live-in Carer—and guidance from your GP and rehabilitation team—these challenges can be managed safely at home.
An Occupational Therapist may recommend equipment or adaptations to make daily life easier. Live-in Carers are trained to use mobility aids and support rehabilitation, ensuring your home remains a safe and supportive environment for recovery.
How a Live-in Carer Can Help
Personal Care
Your Carer will provide respectful support with showering, bathing, dressing, grooming, and maintaining your personal appearance—whether that’s shaving, hair care, or jewellery. They will listen to your preferences and help you feel confident in yourself.
Continence Care
Stroke recovery may bring bladder or bowel challenges. Carers can assist with bathroom use, catheter or stoma care if needed, and monitor any changes, keeping your GP updated.
Mobility Support
Muscle weakness or paralysis can make movement difficult. A Carer can help with transfers, hoisting, or simply walking alongside you to provide reassurance. They will also support you with physiotherapy exercises and ongoing rehabilitation, helping to build strength and confidence while reducing the risk of falls.
Medication Support
Carers are trained in safe medication administration, prescription management, and gentle reminders to ensure doses aren’t missed. They can also support with pain management and liaise with your GP if changes are required.
Household Tasks
Day-to-day tasks such as light cleaning, laundry, shopping, and correspondence can feel overwhelming after a stroke. Carers will take care of these jobs, including reading labels, recipes, or letters if vision has been affected. Many are also happy to help with gardening and caring for your outdoor spaces.
Meals and Nutrition
Carers prepare nutritious meals suited to your tastes and dietary needs. Cooking together can also be a positive social activity. If swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) are present, your Carer can work with your Speech and Language Therapist to support safe eating and drinking, and introduce assistive equipment where appropriate.
Companionship
Beyond physical support, Carers provide valuable companionship—chatting, watching TV, listening to music, or simply sharing time together. Many Carers build lasting friendships with their clients, helping to support emotional wellbeing.
Pet Care
Carers can help look after your pets—feeding, walking, and arranging vet visits. Pets often provide comfort and reduce anxiety during recovery.
Social & Community Support
A Live-in Carer can support you to enjoy outings, whether it’s visiting family, shopping, attending community groups, or a trip to the hairdresser. They also help you welcome loved ones into your home.
Physical & Emotional Wellbeing
Rehabilitation is key to recovery. Carers can support with physiotherapy routines, accompany you to medical appointments, and encourage progress while being sensitive to the emotional challenges that stroke survivors face.
Cognitive Support
Some stroke survivors experience memory difficulties, trouble communicating, or difficulty processing information. Carers can provide reminders for important dates, help with conversations, and support you in understanding information from doctors and therapists.
Finding the Right Carer After a Stroke
At Access Care, we have been introducing specialist Live-in Carers to support stroke survivors for over 25 years. Many of our Carers have attended specialist stroke training and bring both experience and compassion to their role.
We take time to understand your needs, preferences, and lifestyle, so we can match you with a Carer who has the right skills, alongside shared interests and values. Our role is to present suitable Carers for you to choose from—your role is to select the one that feels right for you.
Helpful Stroke Resources
- The Stroke Association – Offers support, a helpline, local and online groups, campaigns for stroke survivors’ rights, and funds research.
- Different Strokes – A charity run by younger stroke survivors, offering support groups, information, and family resources.