Lost Without Words - new stroke campaign launches 28th May

23/05/2008

According to new figures from The Stroke Association, nine out of ten stroke survivors in England are left unsupported in the community, and at least one third are living with a condition called 'aphasia' which leaves them literally ‘living in a silence’- frightened, frustrated and isolated, unable to speak or understand language.

The Stroke Association’s new report, Lost without Words which is being launched this week, specifically looks at the effects of aphasia - which can include loss of confidence and independence and can lead to depression. The report also highlights the low level of awareness among the public, health professionals and key decision makers in health and social care policy.

The study also found that stroke survivors who received long term group communication support reported a better recovery and huge personal achievements. It seems that the groups enabled the survivors to develop new strategies to replace lost communication skills and facilitated social interaction preventing depression and isolation. They also provided respite for carers.

Joe Korner from The Stroke Association explained: "We all need to communicate - whether through speaking, a hand gesture, or the blink of an eye - because the ability to interact with others is crucial. So we are asking Primary Care Trusts to carry out an audit into the incidence of people with stroke-related communication disabilities so that the right levels of support can be planned and delivered."

They also want a commitment to communication support becoming an integral part of the stroke care pathway, and, where appropriate, make sure that referrals are made to Speech and Language Therapists. Korner added: "With the right support, stroke survivors are able to have a good quality of life and play an active role in society. The benefits are not only a cost-saving to our healthcare system - they are a basic human right for every individual."