Post-Stroke Care in East Sussex

A stroke can affect much more than movement. Some people experience changes in confidence, mood, memory, communication, concentration or independence, which can be upsetting for them and difficult for families to understand.

At Coast Care Group, we take time to understand the person behind the stroke. We look at what has changed, what they can still do, what feels familiar to them, and what helps them feel calm and safe. Care is planned with patience and reassurance, so residents are supported emotionally as well as physically.

Some people do regain movement, strength or confidence after a stroke, particularly with the right support and encouragement. Recovery varies from person to person, so care needs to be realistic, flexible and centred around each resident’s abilities.

Our teams support safer movement, transfers and mobility as part of daily care. Where appropriate, care may also involve physiotherapy and occupational therapy input to support strength, balance, transfers and everyday activities.

Stroke can affect balance, coordination, strength and awareness, which may increase the risk of falls. We support residents with safe mobility, transfer assistance, adapted environments and staff who understand their individual movement needs.

Our aim is not to take independence away. It is to help each resident move as safely and confidently as possible, while recognising when they need support, reassurance or specialist equipment.

This can be one of the most frustrating effects of a stroke. Some people experience aphasia, which can make it harder to speak, understand language or process information, even when they know what they want to communicate.

Our teams provide patient communication support and work with speech and language therapists where needed. Families can also help us understand familiar words, gestures, expressions or routines that make communication easier and less distressing for their loved one.

Swallowing difficulties, known as dysphagia, can affect eating, drinking, hydration and medication routines after a stroke. This can understandably make families anxious, especially if their loved one has lost weight, coughed when eating, or needed changes to food and drink textures.

Where dysphagia is present, our teams monitor nutrition and hydration carefully and adapt support around the resident’s safety, comfort and dignity. Where needed, we work with speech and language therapists and healthcare professionals to support safer swallowing routines.

Some people feel anxious, confused or disoriented after moving into a new environment, especially after a stroke. This can be distressing for families to witness, particularly if their loved one is already coping with changes in mobility, communication or memory.

Where possible, our Room Replication Protocol helps recreate aspects of the resident’s previous bedroom layout and environment. Familiar surroundings, routines and belongings can support a calmer transition and help the person feel more secure.

We prioritise consistency of care teams wherever possible, because familiar carers can make a real difference after a stroke. This is especially important where someone has communication difficulties, fatigue, anxiety, memory changes or specific rehabilitation goals.

Consistent support helps staff understand the resident’s routines, preferences, communication style and progress. It also helps families feel reassured that their loved one is being cared for by people who know them as an individual.

Yes, subject to assessment. Many families contact us after hospital discharge, especially when care needs are higher than expected or when it no longer feels safe for a loved one to return home without significant support.

Each enquiry is reviewed individually so we can understand the person’s mobility, communication, swallowing, cognitive, emotional and clinical needs. This helps us assess whether the right care, equipment, staffing support and environment can be provided safely and respectfully.

For people with more complex or changing needs, support may sit alongside our wider complex care approach.

Yes, subject to assessment. Coast Care Group supports adults of varying ages recovering from stroke, including people whose needs may be complex or changing.

We understand that a younger adult may have different concerns around independence, identity, relationships, confidence and long-term goals. Care is planned around the person’s needs, preferences and stage of recovery, not just their age or diagnosis.

Some families need short-term support after a stroke while a loved one recovers, while longer-term care is being planned, or while family carers take time to rest.

Where appropriate, we can talk through day care and respite options and help families understand what level of support may be suitable.