Report shows financial impact of stroke

The Stroke Association logo

Today, the Stroke Association launched its new report, Short-changed by stroke, which shows the drastic impact that a stroke can have on the finances of working age survivors and their families. The sudden nature of stroke means that there is no time to plan. Expenses increase while income drops, often with devastating consequences.

In the survey of thousands of stroke survivors said that the process of claiming benefits left them feeling humiliated and frustrated and too often the impact of their stroke is not understood. Benefit assessments often focus solely on the physical abilities of the claimant and little attention is paid to the hidden or fluctuating disabilities caused by stroke. Having a stroke is bad enough, but too many stroke survivors have to fight for the financial support they need adding to the stress of adjusting to a life after stroke when they should be focussing on their recovery.

The Stroke Association says: "The stories from stroke survivors going through benefits assessments have not given us confidence that the assessments are sufficiently informed, fair or reaching appropriate conclusions.

"An adequate financial safety net for those in need is a mark of a civilised society. No stroke survivor should be forced to turn off their heating or cut back on food in order to make ends meet.

"We want a fairer system that respects the dignity of stroke survivors. I hope everyone signs up to show their support www.stroke.org.uk/short-changed."