Welcome to “A Head of Stroke” a New Zealand blog, website & connection dedicated to those affected by Stroke re-contributing to their community.

Having taken the time to research the literature on Stroke, I found that much of the existing  literature  on  the impact  of major life trauma  such as stroke and  its relationship  to work is written  from  an  expert  point  of view.

It focuses on either the factors that contribute to an individual’s  ability to return  to work or on the ways in  which  experts  can facilitate  return  to  work. There is a particular focus on assessment and rehabilitation.  There  is less evidence  from  the  survivors’ point of view, of factors that motivate them to return  to  work;  their  own assessment   of  the  feasibility; opportunities for returning to work; the meaning and importance of work or their experiences  of returning to  work.

If rehabilitation services are to be person-centred it is important  that  they  are  based  on  and   take  into account  the personal  experiences  of individuals  who have survived  a stroke.  Without  these  insights  it is likely that important factors which influence recovery from  stroke  will be  missed  and  therefore  efforts to help individuals who have had a stroke may not meet their needs  and aspirations.

A study conducted by an International Stroke Association in the UK; emphasised the needs of the Forgotten Stroke Survivor.  They found that an alarming rate a stroke survivors were not receiving the proper long-term information on rehabilitation and recovery after a stroke.

Is the same situation true in New Zealand?