There are 1.2 million stroke survivors in the UK, according to the Stroke Association. In turn, this equates to over 100,000 strokes each year – one every five minutes.
It can be hard to watch a loved one experience the effects of a stroke and rehabilitation can be both lengthy and unpredictable. However, effective rehabilitation and care is key to ensuring the best possible quality of life.
There are many ways you can support a loved one in their recovery following a stroke. From making adaptations in the home and encouraging gentle, daily exercises, to promoting independence and exploring the benefits of live-in care, the right approach can make a significant difference to both safety and quality of life.
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is either blocked or interrupted, often by a blood clot or bleeding (haemorrhage). This disruption deprives the brain of vital oxygen and nutrients, which can cause brain cells to become damaged or die.
The effects of a stroke vary depending on which part of the brain is affected, but they can be serious — often impacting movement, speech, memory, or behaviour.
There are two main types of stroke:
Ischaemic stroke – caused by a blood clot blocking the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain
Haemorrhagic stroke – caused by a blood vessel bursting, leading to bleeding in or around the brain
Recognising the early signs is critical. The most common symptoms are summarised by the acronym FAST:
F – Face: Has the face dropped on one side? Can they smile?
A – Arms: Can they lift both arms and keep them there?
S – Speech: Is speech slurred or confused?
T – Time: Time to call emergency services immediately
Swift medical attention can greatly improve the chances of recovery and reduce the risk of long-term disability.
While the FAST symptoms are the most widely recognised, there are several other warning signs that may indicate someone is experiencing a stroke. These symptoms may appear suddenly and can vary depending on which part of the brain is affected.
Additional symptoms may include:
Paralysis or weakness on one side of the body
Blurred or lost vision, often in one eye
Dizziness or feeling light-headed
Difficulty understanding speech or following conversations
Sudden confusion or disorientation
Loss of balance or coordination
Trouble swallowing
A sudden, severe headache without clear cause
Loss of consciousness
If any of these symptoms occur — even briefly — it is vital to seek emergency medical attention immediately. A stroke is a medical emergency, and the sooner treatment begins, the better the chances of limiting long-term damage.
Once at the hospital, your loved one will undergo a brain scan, usually a CT or MRI, to confirm whether a stroke has occurred and to determine what type of stroke it is. This information is essential for guiding the right treatment.
There are three main types of stroke:
Ischaemic Stroke
The most common type, caused by a blood clot that blocks the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain. These clots may form in the brain’s arteries or travel from elsewhere in the body.
Haemorrhagic Stroke
Caused by a ruptured blood vessel in or around the brain, leading to bleeding and pressure on brain tissue. This type of stroke is often linked to high blood pressure or weakened blood vessels.
Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA)
Sometimes referred to as a “mini-stroke”, a TIA occurs when blood flow to the brain is briefly interrupted. Although symptoms may resolve within 24 hours, it is a serious warning sign that should never be ignored, as it often precedes a full stroke.
There are three main types of stroke, with ischaemic and haemorrhagic strokes being the most common. The third type, known as a Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA) or “mini-stroke”, is usually temporary but can serve as a warning sign of more serious strokes to come.
An ischaemic stroke is the most common form, accounting for approximately 85% of all strokes in the UK. It is caused by a blood clot or fatty deposit (plaque) that blocks the arteries, preventing oxygen-rich blood from reaching the brain.
This type of stroke becomes more likely with age, as arteries naturally narrow and harden over time. However, other risk factors include:
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Diabetes
Obesity
Excessive alcohol consumption
Smoking
Atrial fibrillation (AF) – an irregular heartbeat that can cause clots to form in the heart and travel to the brain
A haemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel within the brain bursts, causing bleeding in or around the brain tissue. This is a less common type of stroke but often more severe.
The primary cause is high blood pressure, which can weaken the walls of blood vessels over time. Additional contributing factors may include:
Excessive alcohol use
Smoking
Lack of exercise
Obesity and stress
Brain aneurysms – weakened sections of blood vessels that balloon out due to pressure
Abnormally shaped blood vessels or arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)
While brain aneurysms don’t always rupture, when they do, it becomes a medical emergency. Some aneurysms remain undetected and may not require treatment unless identified through scans for unrelated symptoms.
A TIA, or “mini-stroke”, occurs when the blood supply to the brain is temporarily disrupted. Although symptoms usually resolve within 24 hours, a TIA should be taken seriously as it is often a precursor to a full stroke.
A TIA carries many of the same risk factors as an ischaemic stroke and should prompt immediate medical assessment and preventative care planning.
As we age, the arteries naturally narrow and become less flexible, which can restrict blood flow to the brain and deprive brain cells of oxygen. This is the underlying mechanism behind most strokes.
However, stroke is not exclusive to older adults. While it is more common in those over 65, anyone — including younger adults and even children — can suffer a stroke, although it is rare in younger age groups.
Several lifestyle choices and medical conditions can increase stroke risk, including:
High blood pressure or cholesterol
Heart conditions such as atrial fibrillation
Diabetes
Smoking and alcohol misuse
A sedentary lifestyle
A family history of stroke or cardiovascular disease
At Response Care, we understand how life-changing a stroke can be — for both the person affected and their family. That’s why we offer specialist live-in care that adapts to your loved one’s needs, providing reassurance, safety, and support throughout recovery and beyond.
Recovery from a stroke can vary significantly from person to person. The level of care required will depend on the type, location, and severity of the stroke, as well as the speed at which treatment was received.
In the early stages, treatment may involve medication to help break down or prevent blood clots, or to manage underlying risk factors such as:
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Irregular heart rhythms (e.g., atrial fibrillation)
In more serious cases, surgery may be required to remove a clot or relieve pressure and swelling within the brain.
Strokes can lead to long-term physical and cognitive changes. While some individuals may recover fully and regain independence, others may require ongoing support to manage everyday tasks and maintain their wellbeing.
Depending on the level of impairment, after-stroke care may include:
Short-term rehabilitation – supporting relearning of speech, movement, and basic skills
Live-in or visiting care – providing help with mobility, medication, and personal care
Ongoing therapy – including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language therapy
Emotional support – for both the individual and their family, as mood changes and depression are not uncommon after a stroke
Whether care is needed temporarily during recovery or on a long-term basis, having the right support in place is essential for physical and emotional wellbeing.
At Response Care, we offer tailored live-in care for stroke survivors — helping individuals adapt, regain confidence, and live safely and comfortably at home. Our carers work alongside healthcare professionals to deliver consistent, person-centred care every step of the way.
If your elderly loved one has experienced a stroke, it’s natural they may wish to return to the familiarity and comfort of their own home as soon as possible. However, depending on the area of the brain affected, they may face ongoing challenges such as impaired speech, reduced mobility, or cognitive difficulties.
No two strokes are alike, and as such, there is no single approach to recovery. Each person will have unique needs that may evolve over time — and in many cases, the level of support required can go beyond what family members are able to provide on their own.
Post-stroke care can be complex. Individuals may need support with:
Personal care – such as bathing, dressing, toileting, and grooming
Mobility assistance – including sitting up, transferring from bed to chair, or walking with aids
Communication – if speech is affected, your loved one may struggle to express themselves or understand others
Emotional wellbeing – confusion, frustration, or mood changes are common in stroke recovery
Providing this level of care at home can be physically and emotionally demanding — especially if the person requires round-the-clock attention, prompting the need to consider professional support.
Whether care is needed on a short-term basis during recovery or as part of a long-term care plan, Response Care can provide dedicated, personalised live-in care for individuals recovering from a stroke.
Following hospital discharge, some people may be eligible for intermediate care through NHS services or convalescent care to support recovery. If your preference is to arrange live-in support at this stage, it’s important to clearly express this to your care coordinator or hospital discharge team.
A trained live-in carer can offer consistent, compassionate support in the comfort of home. They are experienced in managing the challenges of post-stroke care and can:
Assist with rehabilitation routines, including physiotherapy and speech therapy exercises
Help with mobility, medication reminders, and personal care
Provide companionship, reassurance, and emotional support
Liaise with healthcare professionals, ensuring that care plans are followed and progress is monitored
This type of care not only promotes a smoother recovery but also eases pressure on family members who may feel overwhelmed by the demands of ongoing care.
