The majority of people (80%) survive stroke, and as the Canadian population ages and more young people are having strokes, the number of people living with stroke and requiring support will continue to increase. In fact, there are more than 400,000 Canadians living with long-term disability from stroke, and this number will almost double in the next 20 years.
Half of all Canadians living with stroke need help with daily activities such as eating, bathing, dressing, going to the washroom and getting around and more than 40% require more intense support. Yet many needs are not being met. While some excellent resources are available in communities, they are too few and mostly in major centres, and barriers exist around awareness, access and cost.
There are unique challenges in stroke recovery at different ages. Kids brains’ are growing and recovering at the same time, and can face cognitive and behavioural issues. Younger adults encounter issues around: being able to drive again, returning to work or school, raising young families, and long-term finances stress. The average older stroke patient has five other chronic conditions, and many older patients and their caregivers face isolation and depression. Family caregivers play an essential role in stroke recovery yet they rarely receive the preparation and support they need.
The Heart & Stroke 2017 Stroke Report looks at the stroke recovery journey across the ages, highlighting common challenges and issues that occur at specific life stages: babies and children, younger adults and older adults. It examines the essential role of the family caregiver, highlights the importance of placing the patient and family at the centre of care, and identifies areas where system improvements could support the changing profile and needs of people who experience stroke.
The report is available at heartandstroke.ca/strokereport
