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Yoga International: Study And Download Yoga Online

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Join The Yoga International community for a higher level of health and happiness through yoga. Read articles and download or live stream videos today.

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STROKE PATIENTS AND THE HEALING POWER OF YOGA

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STROKE PATIENTS AND THE HEALING POWER OF YOGA

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About Nicola Evans, a stroke survivor and yoga teacher

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About Nicola Evans, a stroke survivor and yoga teacher

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"Normal is an illusion. What is normal to the spider is chaos to the fly" -Morticia Adams When I called my blog finding your new normal it was aimed at picking your life back up after stroke or illness or some kind of trauma that shakes your whole world up so that you...

"Alone we can do so little. Together we can do so much " ~Helen Keller ~ I've been diagnosed for a long time with my cavernoma. I was 14 years old when I got diagnosed. So that is 22 years of ups and downs, of strokes and surgery and depression and many, many tears...

"You give me reasons to smile and and reasons to laugh, but most of all you give me memories I could never forget" It's a bit of a strange title I know and What the hell are bandhas I hear you cry!? Bundas are the energy locks in your body, they will also keep you...

"Get busy living or get busy dying" ~Stephen King As part of my yoga teacher training I was asked to give a small presentation to the group on life lessons I learned from Yoga. So I decided to turn that presentation into a blog for you all. Here it is. I think...

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"Normal is an illusion. What is normal to the spider is chaos to the fly" -Morticia Adams When I called my blog finding your new normal it was aimed at picking your life back up after stroke or illness or some kind of trauma that shakes your whole world up so that you...

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Train with 40+ games that are designed to boost your productivity, earning power, and self-confidence in skills like reading, writing, speaking, memory, and math.

Hear what our customers are saying:

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Elevate is an award-winning brain training tool designed to build communication and analytical skills.

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40 Brain Games

Play awesome games that challenge your memory, attention, language, and problem solving skills.

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Track your progress and measure your performance in different cognitive skills.

Award-Winning Training Program

MindPal provides you with a personal daily program that adjusts over time to reach optimal results. MindPal has been awarded "App of the Day" by Apple, and chosen in "Apps We Love" by Google. It has also won the People's Choice Award in the 2nd International Mobile Gaming Awards (IMGA MENA), the longest standing and highest regarded mobile games award program.

Fun Brain Games

Our team of educational experts and game designers work together to create fun games based on common cognitive tasks. The games are designed to improve your memory, attention, language, and math skills.

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Get in-depth insights about your brain and see how you rank compared to other users in your age group.

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Follow us on social media to keep up to date with the latest news and highlights.

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MindPal - Brain Training and Brain Games

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Play awesome games that challenge your memory, attention, language, and problem solving skills. Enjoy a daily mental workout based on your performance and the skills you'd like to improve. Track your progress and measure your performance in different cognitive skills. Award-Winning Training Program MindPal provides you with a personal daily program that adjusts over time to reach optimal results.

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Lumosity - Helpful App For Brain Function Following Stroke

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Download the Lumosity app for your desktop, iOS or Android device today and train your brain using science designed as games after stroke.

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Lumosity

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More videos about relationships and mindfulness:

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More videos about relationships and mindfulness:

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I have been fortunate in my career to work in collaboration with 3rd sector and academic partners to create resources that are available for all survivors and their significant others, to assist in their sense-making journey.

Information Leaflets Co-created with Headway:
Relationships & Sexuality

Couples Relationships After Brain Injury (Headway)

Loneliness After Brain Injury (Headway)

Sexuality After Brain Injury (Headway)

Returning to Work After Brain Injury (Headway)

Emotional Lability After Stroke (Different Strokes)

My Video Series for SameYou: Dealing with Others as a Survivor

My Video Series for SameYou: Rehabilitating Love Post-Injury

My Video Series for SameYou: The Impact on Families & Couples

My Video Series for SameYou: Sexuality after Brain Injury

SameYou Video Series: Returning to Work After Brain Injury

My Video Series for Different Strokes:
Sexuality after Stroke

Life-Changing Injuries Online Stories

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Resources for Survivors & Significant Others

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I have been fortunate in my career to work in collaboration with 3rd sector and academic partners to create resources that are available for all survivors and their significant others, to assist in their sense-making journey.

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Positive Minds: Family relationships after a brain injury

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Positive Minds: Family relationships after a brain injury

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Positive Minds: Family relationships after a brain injury

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Positive Minds: Introduction to the impact of brain injury on families

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Positive Minds: Introduction to the impact of brain injury on families

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Positive Minds: Introduction to the impact of brain injury on families

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Positive Minds: Rehabilitating Love Post Brain Injury - Part Three

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Positive Minds: Rehabilitating Love Post Brain Injury - Part Three

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Positive Minds: Rehabilitating Love Post Brain Injury - Part Three

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Postive Minds: Rehabilitating Love Post Brain Injury - Part two

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Postive Minds: Rehabilitating Love Post Brain Injury - Part two

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Dr Giles Yeates looks at the brain science of love and ways to support brain injury survivors and their partners to find their way back to each other.

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Postive Minds: Rehabilitating Love Post Brain Injury - Part two

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Postive Minds: Rehabilitating Love Post Brain Injury - Part two

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Postive Minds: Rehabilitating Love Post Brain Injury - Part two

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Dr Giles Yeates looks at the brain science of love and ways to support brain injury survivors and their partners to find their way back to each other.

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Postive Minds: Rehabilitating Love Post Brain Injury - Part two

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Positive Minds: Rehabilitating Love Post Brain Injury

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Positive Minds: Rehabilitating Love Post Brain Injury

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Positive Minds: Rehabilitating Love Post Brain Injury

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Positive Minds: Rehabilitating Love Post Brain Injury

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Positive Minds: Rehabilitating Love Post Brain Injury

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Positive Minds: Rehabilitating Love Post Brain Injury

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Positive Relationships: Dealing with other people after brain injury with Dr Giles Yeates - Part 4

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Positive Relationships: Dealing with other people after brain injury with Dr Giles Yeates - Part 4

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Positive Relationships: Dealing with other people after brain injury with Dr Giles Yeates - Part 4

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Positive Relationships: Dealing with other people after brain injury with Dr Giles Yeates Part 3

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Positive Relationships: Dealing with other people after brain injury with Dr Giles Yeates Part 3

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Positive Relationships: Dealing with other people after brain injury with Dr Giles Yeates Part 3

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Positive Relationships: Dealing with other people after brain injury with Dr Giles Yeates - Part 2

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Positive Relationships: Dealing with other people after brain injury with Dr Giles Yeates - Part 2

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Positive Relationships: Dealing with other people after brain injury with Dr Giles Yeates - Part 2

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Positive Relationships: Dealing with other people after brain injury with Dr Giles Yeates - Part 1

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Positive Relationships: Dealing with other people after brain injury with Dr Giles Yeates - Part 1

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Positive Relationships: Dealing with other people after brain injury with Dr Giles Yeates - Part 1

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Emotional Lability After Stroke (Different Strokes)

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Emotional Lability After Stroke (Different Strokes)

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Let's Talk Emotional Lability with Dr Giles Yeates

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Returning to Work After Brain Injury Webinar

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Returning to Work After Brain Injury Webinar

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Returning to Work After Brain Injury Webinar

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Loneliness and isolation after brain injury

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Loneliness and isolation after brain injury

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Loneliness and isolation after brain injury

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Couple's relationships after brain injury

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Couple's relationships after brain injury

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Couples' relationships after brain injury: The rehabilitation of love and supporting heartbreak

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How to get help from social care services

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How to get help from social care services

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This resource pack was developed with the help of children who have a parent who has had a stroke.  Available in different formats to cover the whole age range from toddler to teenager, it explains to children what is happening when their mum or dad suddenly has a stroke.  This can be an incredibly scary time for children and the booklets can be used as a starting point for some of those difficult conversations and to support children through the whole experience.

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How To Care For Your Elderly Parent After A Stroke

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How To Care For Your Elderly Parent After A Stroke

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The effects of a stroke vary for every individual and depend upon the type of the stroke, the location and severity of it. The most common side effects include hemiplegia or hemiparesis, (paralysis on one side of the body), changes in balance, vision and even speaking. Some may have difficulties swallowing. Personality changes can develop, including depression or anger. Caring for an elderly parent after they have suffered from a stroke can be very challenging, especially because every person's recovery path is different and there isn't always an easy set of guidelines to follow. Recovery requires a team of medical professionals from a variety of fields. Here are some of the things you can do:

Educate Yourse. Knowledge is power and one of the best ways you can prepare yourself for this new role is to educate yourself about the type of stroke that your parent has suffered from. Indeed, one of the biggest problems that many caregivers encounter when caring for their parents is a lack of information. Be sure to make contact with your parent's health care team about the topic of stroke recovery-do not be afraid to ask questions. You could even consider partaking in a support group in the hospital. This knowledge will allow you to take the best possible care of your parent.

Participate in Your Parent's Stroke Rehabilitation. It is imperative that you get involved as much as possible in the rehabilitation process. This can help people feel supported and give them motivation to continue in their recovery, and to hopefully be independent once again. Encouraging even small improvements can be helpful, but be careful not to be pressuring.

Look into Modification to the Home. Although your parent's medical professionals will likely inform you if home modifications will be necessary, it is helpful to keep this in mind. Home modifications may be as simple as rearranging furniture, but they may also involve widening doorways or even remodelling the bathroom.

Contact Home Care Health Services as Soon as Possible. The reality of your new caregiving role is that you may not be able to care for your elderly parent or devote as much time as you would like due to other demands in your life. Home care health services offer a variety of services that can be customized to exactly to the kind of help you are seeking. Allowing the burden to be taken off of you can be very important in preventing caregiver burnout during this stressful time. Studies show that stroke sufferers with larger support systems to facilitate their recovery do better after a stroke than those without. Accept as much help as possible during this time.

Work on Preventing Future Strokes. In order to prevent future strokes and their devastating consequences, you should prioritize your parent's health. This is especially true given that those who have suffered from a stroke in the past are more likely to suffer from one again. This means getting your parent's blood pressure in check, managing their weight, blood sugar and cholesterol. Ensure that they get daily exercise, eat a healthy diet and do not smoke.

C-Care Health Services offers a variety of affordable, personalized and high-quality services. Contact us today for more.

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How To Care For Your Elderly Parent After A Stroke

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The effects of a stroke vary for every individual and depend upon the type of the stroke, the location and severity of it. The most common side effects include hemiplegia or hemiparesis, (paralysis on one side of the body), changes in balance, vision and even speaking. Some may have difficulties swallowing.

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All Resources - Family Caregiver Alliance

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FCA facilitates and sponsors several types of support groups, both in person and online.

Caregiver Online Support Group

This is an unmoderated group for families, partners, and other caregivers who want a safe place to discuss the stresses, challenges, and rewards of providing care for adults with disorders such as Alzheimer's, stroke, brain injury, and other chronic debilitating health conditions.
Solicitations and advertisements of ANY kind; academic, commercial, journalistic, or any other reason, are STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
Are you conducting a Research study or Clinical trial? Please click here.

This group is in e-mail format. Participants send and receive e-mail to take part in discussions. You can receive your posts all together, in one delivery each day, or you can receive them one-by-one, as they are sent. The choice is yours. It's fun, easy, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To subscribe to Caregiver Online Support Group, complete the form below and click the submit button.

LGBTQ+ Community Support: Caregiving for our Families and Friends

This online support group LGBTQ+ Community Support Caregiving for our Families and Friends offers a place for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender caregivers of adults with chronic health problems to discuss the unique issues of caring for their loved ones.
Solicitations and advertisements of ANY kind; academic, commercial, journalistic, or any other reason, are STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
Are you conducting a Research study or Clinical trial? Please click here.

This group is in e-mail format. Participants send and receive e-mail to take part in discussions. You can receive your posts all together, in one delivery each day, or you can receive them one-by-one, as they are sent. The choice is yours. It's fun, easy, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To subscribe to LGBTQ+ Community Online Support Group, complete the form below and click the submit button.

LGBTQ Caregiver Support Group

We welcome a diverse group of LGBTQ caregivers for a new monthly support group! Join us via Zoom as we discuss the stresses, challenges, and variety of experiences that come with providing care in our community. This group is for caregivers of those with a variety of illnesses, disorders, and challenges. If you are caring for someone with dementia-specific challenges, we encourage you to check out the LGBTQ Caregivers of Those With Dementia support group.

For San Francisco Bay Area or California caregivers of older adults or those with adult-onset cognitive or neurological conditions like dementia, stroke, or Parkinson's.

For more information or to register, contact Adriana Sanchez: asanchez@caregiver.org.
In partnership with Openhouse
When: 3rd Wednesdays of the month, 4 to 5:30 p.m. (PT), via Zoom

Young Adult Caregivers Support Group

Designed for family caregivers under the age of 40 who are caring for someone who is:

60 or older with any diagnosis, or

between the ages of 18-59 with an adult-onset cognitive or neurological impairment.

Meets online via Zoom twice monthly. Participants should live in the San Francisco Bay Area (Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, or Santa Clara counties).

To register, contact Intake at (415) 434-3388 x331; bayareaintake@caregiver.org.

East Bay Support Group (FULL)

This is a monthly group serves caregivers who are caring for someone who is:

60 or older with any diagnosis, or

between the ages of 18-59 with an adult-onset cognitive or neurological impairment.

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Support Groups - Family Caregiver Alliance

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FCA facilitates and sponsors several types of support groups, both in person and online. This is an unmoderated group for families, partners, and other caregivers who want a safe place to discuss the stresses, challenges, and rewards of providing care for adults with disorders such as Alzheimer's, stroke, brain injury, and other chronic debilitating health conditions.

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Introduction

Caregiving for a loved one can cause stress in many ways. To manage the stress-which we know can be dangerous to a caregiver's health-we must first know what the problem is. Surprisingly, many caregivers of individuals with memory disorders or dementia report that the main problem is not the illness itself, but the ambiguity and uncertainty it causes.

It's a difficult challenge to care for someone who is here, but not here-here physically, but gone mentally and psychologically. You feel alone, and in some ways, you are. For many caregivers, it's as if there's a stranger in the house.

Adding to the stress, disorders such as Alzheimer's disease or traumatic brain injury cause unpredictable memory loss that comes and goes-one moment here, the next moment gone. This roller coaster of absence and presence is a very stressful kind of loss-what author Pauline Boss calls ambiguous loss. Unlike death, there is no closure, no official validation, and sometimes little community or religious support. You feel you are left to cope on your own; even the strongest caregivers feel anxious and depressed. The challenge is to learn strategies to cope with this ambiguity that is so much a part of memory loss.

Symptoms of Overwhelming Stress

Caring for someone with a cognitive impairment-and the ambiguous feelings that arise-can create a constancy of sorrow that can immobilize caregivers. For example, decisions are put on hold, tasks pile up, chores delayed. Doubt, confusion, helplessness, and hopelessness set in, and caregivers can feel anxious and depressed. Friendships are in limbo as caregiving takes more and more of your time. Conflict increases with spouse, children/stepchildren, siblings. Family gatherings and rituals that were the glue of enjoyable family life are cancelled or changed. When a caregiver feels increasingly isolated, the possibility of depression, anxiety, abuse, guilt, shame, lack of self-care, illness, or substance abuse increases.

Tips for Coping with the Ambiguity of Memory Loss

To manage the stress of caregiving, try to connect with other people: if possible, join a support group either in person or on the Internet, attend a book club, social event, or faith-based group. Here are some ideas, questions and tips to help:
1. Name your problem.
Know that one real culprit causing your stress is the ambiguity from a loved one being here, but not here. Call it "ambiguous loss." It is neither your fault nor the patient's. It is caused by an illness.
2. Practice both/and thinking.
It helps to think "both/and" rather than in the extremes of "either/or." Instead of thinking the care recipient has to be either here or gone, think of him or her as both here and gone. This means balancing two different ideas at the same time-present, and also absent. Both/and thinking is less stressful than continuing to search for an absolutely perfect solution.

Here are some examples:

"I am both a caregiver-and a person with my own needs."

"I take care of both him-and myself."

"I both wish it was over-and that my loved one could keep on living."

"I am both sad at my loved one's illness-and joyful with my new grandchild."

"I am both sad about my lost hopes and dreams-and happy about some new plans and goals."

Now add your own examples. "Both/and" thinking may come faster if you practice with another person.
3. Know your "family" and community information and support systems.
You need predictability (not ambiguity) about whom you can talk to and count on for help. Have some other people become "like family" to you? Does your community offer help and social support? Spiritual support? Recreation and respite? Information support? Talk with your Caregiver Resource Center about what help is available to you. Check the web-a quick online search for "caregiver" offers a wealth of information and online communities. If your biological family offers no help, perhaps you can create a "psychological family" that will be there for you when you need help. Talk about how to divide up the work among a "care team." Make a written plan to know who will do what and when. Who will come once a week so that you can take some time off to do as you wish? Who will come for a week twice a year so that you can take a vacation from caregiving? Several websites can help you establish your caregiving community (see Resources list below).
4. Continue-but revise-family holidays, celebrations, and rituals.
Do not cancel, but rather, simplify the gatherings with the people you care about to celebrate birthdays, holidays, and religious events and rituals. Families, friends, and communities connect to celebrate life's transitions. Human connection can help lower your stress in times of sadness. It can help you and a person with dementia feel the spirit of life around you. This is essential to staying strong when the person you care for is not able to connect fully with you. Think and talk about this: what family rituals did you celebrate as a couple or family before the memory loss? Now? How can you simplify your family rituals and celebrations to fit the circumstances now? Young people can be especially helpful in answering these questions, because of their strong imaginations and new perspectives.
5. Revise family roles.
To manage the stress of caring for someone with severe memory loss, alterations are needed in what you and other family members previously did. There are changes in family roles as a result of the memory loss. What tasks are you now responsible for? What tasks have you lost? How do you manage these changes? What would help? Is there agreement in the family about who should do the caregiving? Are you resilient enough to change or do you feel you have to do it all as before? Talk about who plays what roles in the family.

Finally, based on roles, think about how you see yourself now. You might ask: Is it right for me to take time off to go out with friends when my spouse is suffering from Alzheimer's disease? Do I still feel like a son or daughter or more like a parent to my parent? If my spouse has memory loss, do I still feel married? How should I act?
6. Be aware of family rules.
Who is allowed to do what in your family? Is there a team approach or are you expected to do all the work alone? Become aware of your family's rules and question them. They can change. Do your family's rules about race, religion, class, age, or gender get talked about? For example, is there an unspoken rule in your family that only females can be caregivers? Are certain people excused from helping? Why are they excused? There may need to be a new family rule about "teamwork" so that caregiving does not fall to one person alone. Include children and teenagers in the circle of information about the illness, its effects, its unclear prognosis, and your need for help and teamwork.
7. Understand that anger and guilt are normal, but avoid harmful actions.
While mixed emotions are an understandable outcome of memory loss, the negative feelings can come out as anger or, worse yet, abuse-and that is not acceptable. Talk with someone-a professional or another caregiver-about your negative feelings to prevent acting out your anger. Remember, feeling angry about the ambiguity in memory loss is normal, but acting out that anger against the patient or yourself is not.
8. It seems contradictory, but imagine something new to hope for.
To stay healthy, everyone needs hope. When your loved one is ill, and you are tied to caregiving, you must discover new hope. It helps to talk about this with other people-and again, with young people. They might help you imagine new dreams for your future-new connections, new hobbies, new travel plans, new skills, new relationships.

Given the stress from caregiving and the ambiguity of memory loss, what can you plan for the future that is clear and certain? How about an outing, a firm date for dinner with a friend, a hobby that has clear outcomes, a TV program that you clearly enjoy? New hopes and dreams will emerge when you can balance the ambiguity with some activities that have clear outcomes, no matter how small.
9. Check on your own health.
Seek professional help if you:

Feel depressed, physically sick, or hopeless.

Feel like hurting yourself or hurting or yelling at the person you care for.

Depend too heavily on alcohol or recreational drugs.

Fight with your spouse, children, stepchildren, or other family members and friends.

No longer take care of yourself.

When you are a caregiver for someone with memory loss, the stress of ambiguity adds to the usual pressures of caregiving. You have a duty and a right to take care of yourself.

Summary

This fact sheet is a caregiver's guide to managing the extra stress from ambiguous loss. To sum it up, think of managing the ambiguity as learning to walk in the fog. Keep moving forward, despite the stress of not knowing what lies ahead. But at the same time, reach out for support and human connections to stay resilient and strong.

Resources

Family Caregiver Alliance
National Alliance on Caregiving
(415) 434-3388 | (800) 445-8106
Website: www.caregiver.org
E-mail: info@caregiver.org
FCA CareNav: https://fca.cacrc.org/login
Services by State: www.caregiver.org/connecting-caregivers/services-by-state/

Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) seeks to improve the quality of life for caregivers through education, services, research and advocacy. Through its National Center on Caregiving, FCA offers information on current social, public policy and caregiving issues, provides assistance in the development of public and private programs for caregivers, and assists caregivers nationwide in locating resources in their communities. For residents of the greater San Francisco Bay Area, FCA provides direct family support services for caregivers of those with Alzheimer's disease, stroke, ALS, head injury, Parkinson's and other debilitating health conditions that strike adults.

​FCA Fact and Tip Sheets

A listing of all facts and tips is available online at www.caregiver.org/fact-sheets.
Depression and Caregiving
Caregiver Health
Caring for Adults with Cognitive and Memory Impairments
Dementia: Is This Dementia and What Does it Mean?
Grief and Loss
Taking Care of YOU: Self-Care for Family Caregivers
Other Organizations and Links

Lotsa Helping Hands
https://lotsahelpinghands.com/
Lotsa Helping Hands is a free online tool for caregivers to organize care and communicate with other family members, friends, and neighbors.

AgingCare.com
https://www.agingcare.com/topics/60/caregiver-support

This fact sheet was prepared by Family Caregiver Alliance and written by Pauline Boss and based on her books, Ambiguous Loss (Harvard University Press, 2000), Family Stress Management (Sage, 2002), and Loss, Trauma, and Resilience (W. W. Norton, 2006). ©2008 Family Caregiver Alliance. All rights reserved.

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Caregiving and Ambiguous Loss - Family Caregiver Alliance

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Caregiving for a loved one can cause stress in many ways. To manage the stress-which we know can be dangerous to a caregiver's health-we must first know what the problem is. Surprisingly, many caregivers of individuals with memory disorders or dementia report that the main problem is not the illness itself, but the ambiguity and uncertainty it causes.

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Coined by Pauline Boss, PhD, "ambiguous loss" describes the grief associated with a loss of a person or relationship, in which there is confusion or uncertainty about that person or relationship ... such as a loved one with TBI who may be physically present but pschologically absent, or less present.

Ambiguous loss refers to a situation where someone is physically present but psychologically absent, so an example would be like a person who has Alzheimer's disease, and they look okay physically, but in another way they're very impaired cognitively, so they're there physically, but they're not there mentally, and it also refers to situations which Pauline Boss studied, wives of soldiers missing in action, and these are situations where people went off to combat, and they disappeared. They could have been dead. They could have been wounded trying to get back to base. They could have been in a prisoner of war camp. These are situations where the person was psychologically present in the family, still considered part of the family, but the family didn't really know if the person was alive or dead and so the ambiguity is--this refers to the fact that there's a lot of uncertainty about the person. There's a lot of uncertainty about them. One issue that came to mind is there was a study that I've cited a lot. It was done probably 30 years ago by a group of nurses, and those nurses surveyed wives and mothers of people who had traumatic brain injury and stroke, and it was interesting because when the wives filled out the survey about a third of them said that they were married but had no husband, and then about a fourth of them said that they were married to a stranger, and when I looked at that survey I realized that Boss's theory or her ideas about ambiguity of loss were also reflected in the brain injury literature. In our society we have beliefs about what needs to be done when a person dies. We have rituals. We say goodbye. We grieve, and what happens with ambiguous loss is the person is still physically alive, but they're a very different person, and the fact that they're still alive makes it very difficult to grieve for that person that they used to be.

Posted on BrainLine July 30, 2012.

Jeffrey Kreutzer, PhD a Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry at VCU. He serves as Director of Virginia's TBI Model System, a position he has held since 1987. He also coordinates VCU Health System outpatient services for families and persons with brain injury.

Produced by Victoria Tilney McDonough, Justin Rhodes, and Ashley Gilleland, BrainLine.

Jeffrey Kreutzer, PhD a Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry at VCU. He serves as Director of Virginia's TBI Model System, a position he has held since 1987. He also coordinates VCU Health System outpatient services for families and persons with brain injury.

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What Is Ambiguous Loss? How Does It Relate to Brain Injury?

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Coined by Pauline Boss, PhD, "ambiguous loss" describes the grief associated with a loss of a person or relationship, in which there is confusion or uncertainty about that person or relationship ... such as a loved one with TBI who may be physically present but pschologically absent, or less present.

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Easy to use app for sleep and meditation, including music, nature scenes and sounds for relaxation

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Calm is the #1 app for sleep and meditation. Join the millions experiencing better sleep, lower stress, and less anxiety.

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Easy to use app with guided mindfulness meditation for support with relaxation, managing stress and sleep

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Unlock hundreds of mood-boosting meditations, relaxing sleep exercises, focus music, and more with our biggest offer of the year.

It's the healthiest, happiest deal you'll find this Black Friday, and it won't last long.

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Meditation and Sleep Made Simple - Headspace

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Live a healthier, happier, more well-rested life in just a few minutes a day with the Headspace app.

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Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT)

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Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT)

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If you experience problems with your mood, you can be directed to your GP for advice and access to local support services. IAPT services provide free talking therapies to people with problems such as stress, anxiety or depression.

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The problems that IAPT services can treat include:

depression

generalized anxiety

social anxiety

panic and agoraphobia

other phobias

obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

body dysmorphic disorder

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Find an NHS psychological therapies service (IAPT) - NHS

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If you live in England, you can refer yourself to an NHS psychological therapies service (IAPT). IAPT services offer NICE recommended therapies, such as CBT, for common problems involving stress, anxiety and depression.

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Advice and information regarding the risks of working from home – lone working, desk set-up and equipment, stress and mental health

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Coronavirus (COVID-19): update

This page has been updated to take account of working arrangements during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

As an employer, you have the same health and safety responsibilities for home workers as for any other workers.

When someone is working from home, permanently or temporarily, as an employer you should consider:

How will you keep in touch with them?

What work activity will they be doing (and for how long)?

Can it be done safely?

Do you need to put control measures in place to protect them?

Lone working without supervision

There will always be greater risks for lone workers with no direct supervision or anyone to help them if things go wrong.

Keep in touch with lone workers, including those working from home, and ensure regular contact to make sure they are healthy and safe.

If contact is poor, workers may feel disconnected, isolated or abandoned. This can affect stress levels and mental health.

Working with display screen equipment

For those people who are working at home on a long-term basis, the risks associated with using display screen equipment (DSE) must be controlled. This includes them doing workstation assessments at home.

There is no increased risk from DSE work for those working at home temporarily. So in that situation employers do not need to ask them to carry out home workstation assessments.

However, employers should provide workers with advice on completing their own basic assessment at home. This practical workstation checklist may help them.

There are some simple steps people can take to reduce the risks from display screen work:

breaking up long spells of DSE work with rest breaks (at least 5 minutes every hour) or changes in activity

avoiding awkward, static postures by regularly changing position

getting up and moving or doing stretching exercises

avoiding eye fatigue by changing focus or blinking from time to time

The Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors has published infographics to help people working at home.

Specialised DSE equipment needs

Employers should try to meet those needs where possible.

For some equipment (eg keyboards, mouse, riser) this could mean allowing workers to take this equipment home.

For other larger items (eg ergonomic chairs, height-adjustable desks) encourage workers to try other ways of creating a comfortable working environment (eg supporting cushions).

Our brief guide has more information.

Keep DSE arrangements under review

As any period of temporary home working extends, employers should have regular discussions with workers to assess whether additional steps are needed, for example where they report:

aches, pains or discomfort related to their temporary DSE arrangements

adverse effects of working in isolation, on remote IT systems

working longer hours without adequate rest and recovery breaks

Where employers decide to make working from home arrangements permanent, they should explain how to carry out full workstation assessments and provide workers with appropriate equipment and advice on control measures.

Stress and mental health

Home working can cause work-related stress and affect people's mental health.

Being away from managers and colleagues could make it difficult to get proper support.

Keep in touch

Put procedures in place so you can keep in direct contact with home workers so you can recognise signs of stress as early as possible.

It is also important to have an emergency point of contact and to share this so people know how to get help if they need it.

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This page has been updated to take account of working arrangements during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. As an employer, you have the same health and safety responsibilities for home workers as for any other workers. When someone is working from home, permanently or temporarily, as an employer you should consider: How will you keep in touch with them?

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HSE advice sheet about ergonomic set up for home working 

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HSE advice sheet about ergonomic set up for home working 

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Provide financial advice including a benefits calculator and grants search tool to check what benefits and grants someone may be eligible for

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Turn2us is a national charity offering information and practical support to people facing financial insecurity. We help people gain access to welfare benefits, charitable grants and other support - online, by phone and face to face through our work in communities and the organisations we partner with.

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Check if you can claim ‘new style’ Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) - and how much you’ll get - while you look for a full-time job.

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Includes eligibility, appeals, tax credits and Universal Credit

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They provide useful publications and a list of their members and can put you in contact with the senior HR team of an employment organisation. This has been particularly helpful with organisations such as supermarkets when perhaps the lower level managers are hard to shift and do not appear to fully understand their responsibilities under the equality act

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Contact us

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Provides employees and employers free, impartial advice on workplace rights, rules and best practice

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Acas | Making working life better for everyone in Britain

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Acas is the workplace expert for England, Wales and Scotland. We provide free and impartial advice for employers and employees, training and help resolve disputes.

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The Disability Law Service is a registered charity. Registered charity number 280805. The Disability Law Service is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales, under registration number 1408520. Website by Maze Creative © 2020 Disability Law Service

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Provide free and confidential legal advice on community care, employment, housing and welfare benefits to disabled people and their carers to ensure that they have access to their rights.

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Other Sources of Advice

If you require advice in other areas of law or need other places to try to give you advice or take on your case then please click on: ( Other sources of legal advice). You should also try the legal aid website as there many areas of law still within the remit of legal aid and their calculator will give you a good indication of whether your area of law is in the remit of legal aid ( Legal Aid Advice Finder).

Other Sources of Advice

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If you require advice in other areas of law or need other places to try to give you advice or take on your case then please click on: ( Other sources of legal advice).

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Bank workers charity and benevolent fund

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Bank workers charity and benevolent fund

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The team have extensive experience of supporting working-age people, families and retirees. They can provide mental health support, including access to talking therapies, support with debt management and financial support, provide relationship services, and guidance related to disability and housing

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Contact the Bank Workers Charity for support. If you’re a current or former bank employee, it’s likely we’ll be able to help you.

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Bank workers charity and benevolent fund

# data[].attributes.subject
Bank workers charity and benevolent fund

# data[].attributes.body
The team have extensive experience of supporting working-age people, families and retirees. They can provide mental health support, including access to talking therapies, support with debt management and financial support, provide relationship services, and guidance related to disability and housing

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Contact the Bank Workers Charity for support. If you’re a current or former bank employee, it’s likely we’ll be able to help you.

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Working from home during COVID19 (from a mental perspective)

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Working from home during COVID19 (from a mental perspective)

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Working from home needs clear boundaries - this means having a sense of when you're at work, and when you're not.
Have a schedule for when you're working. Whilst you don't need to fit to the Monday-Friday 9-5 model, having a pattern of when you're available to respond to emails or slack and when you're not, helps you switch off and helps others to not interrupt your time off.

Use your email signature to show others when you're available, or put your out of office message on during the hours or days you're not willing or able to respond to messages.

Use Do Not Disturb mode on tools like Slack or your email to switch off the notifications during out of hours times. Many apps and devices have an automated "Do not disturb" scheduler, which can help you to remember to 'switch off'.

Ask others what their schedule is, so you're able to respect their boundaries, and get used to working in a less synchronous way, i.e. don't expect immediate replies to emails sent just because you're working at that time.

Establish those boundaries with people at home too - if you're sharing a space, be clear with people when you're working, when you need to be able to focus, and when you're available to chat or socialise. This can be much easier said than done if you're parenting, perhaps - so break your day into shorter bursts of work.

And don't be afraid to change those boundaries - what might have worked six months ago at the start of lockdown might no longer be working for you. Your first design will rarely be the right design, so observe what works and what doesn't, and look to make changes where you need to - just make sure you're communicating them well to others.

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The Leapers Little Guide to... Working Well during Lockdown: Winter Edition

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Working from home needs clear boundaries - this means having a sense of when you're at work, and when you're not. Have a schedule for when you're working. Whilst you don't need to fit to the Monday-Friday 9-5 model, having a pattern of when you're available to respond to emails or slack and when you're not, helps you switch off and helps others to not interrupt your time off.

# data[].attributes.headline
Working from home during COVID19 (from a mental perspective)

# data[].attributes.subject
Working from home during COVID19 (from a mental perspective)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Working from home needs clear boundaries - this means having a sense of when you're at work, and when you're not.
Have a schedule for when you're working. Whilst you don't need to fit to the Monday-Friday 9-5 model, having a pattern of when you're available to respond to emails or slack and when you're not, helps you switch off and helps others to not interrupt your time off.

Use your email signature to show others when you're available, or put your out of office message on during the hours or days you're not willing or able to respond to messages.

Use Do Not Disturb mode on tools like Slack or your email to switch off the notifications during out of hours times. Many apps and devices have an automated "Do not disturb" scheduler, which can help you to remember to 'switch off'.

Ask others what their schedule is, so you're able to respect their boundaries, and get used to working in a less synchronous way, i.e. don't expect immediate replies to emails sent just because you're working at that time.

Establish those boundaries with people at home too - if you're sharing a space, be clear with people when you're working, when you need to be able to focus, and when you're available to chat or socialise. This can be much easier said than done if you're parenting, perhaps - so break your day into shorter bursts of work.

And don't be afraid to change those boundaries - what might have worked six months ago at the start of lockdown might no longer be working for you. Your first design will rarely be the right design, so observe what works and what doesn't, and look to make changes where you need to - just make sure you're communicating them well to others.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Leapers Little Guide to... Working Well during Lockdown: Winter Edition

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Working from home needs clear boundaries - this means having a sense of when you're at work, and when you're not. Have a schedule for when you're working. Whilst you don't need to fit to the Monday-Friday 9-5 model, having a pattern of when you're available to respond to emails or slack and when you're not, helps you switch off and helps others to not interrupt your time off.

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Learn how you can be mentally healthy at work, with suggestions for what you can do and where you can get support if you experience poor mental health.

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Learn how you can be mentally healthy at work, with suggestions for what you can do and where you can get support if you experience poor mental health.

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Tips for everyday living with a mental health problem

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Living with a mental health problem can have an impact on day to day life. Read our tips to help you cope with things like money, work, university and more.

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Scope offer an employment support program (12 weeks online or telephone support) for people with a range of disabilities. It is provided by dedicated employment advisors to help with employability skills such as time management, confidence building, CV writing and preparing individuals for interviews.

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Support to Work is a free online and telephone support programme for disabled people in England and Wales, who are looking for paid work. This is not a face-to-face service, so may not be right for everyone.

Eligibility

Support to Work is open to disabled people who:

are 16 years or over

are looking for a paid job

have internet, email and telephone

live in England or Wales.

Sign up

Signing up for Support to Work is a 3-step process:

1. check this service is right for you

2. create a Scope account

3. register for Support to Work

Employment advice

You will get help from one of our specialist employment advisers online and over the phone.

Our friendly advisers will listen to your challenges and give specific advice for your situation. With in-depth knowledge and experience they can support you with many aspects of looking for paid work, including:

identifying your strengths and transferable skills

developing confidence and job skills like time management

reviewing your CV to meet your employment goals

how and where to look for jobs

mock interviews

how to talk to your employer about your impairment and reasonable adjustments

But, your adviser:

Contact us at supporttowork@scope.org.uk or call 0300 222 5742 if you want to discuss whether it's right for you.

12-weeks of support

Your employment adviser will work with you to create a personal and flexible 12-week programme. They will set you tasks to complete such as:

reading work and careers advice

writing a CV or cover letter from a template

preparing for interviews

Your adviser will be on hand to help you throughout the 12 weeks. At the end of the 12 weeks your time with the adviser will end, but you'll still have access to all resources in your personal online portal.

Once you start on the service. You will have access to vacancies through our online job board from partner organisations, recruiters, and employers who are committed to employing more disabled people.

In work support

Once you find work our support does not end. Our specialist in work support adviser will work with you for up to 26 weeks. They will support you with any issues that may arise in work, including:

support with asking for reasonable adjustments

Access to Work applications

Making adjustments

We can make adjustments if you need them, such as, video calls with British Sign Language interpreters.

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Support to Work | Disability charity Scope UK

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Support to Work is a free online and telephone support programme for disabled people in England and Wales, who are looking for paid work. This is not a face-to-face service, so may not be right for everyone.

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Attend ABI projects are designed to support people with an acquired brain injury by bridging the gap between a patient’s discharge and their return to the wider community. The projects aim to help individuals learn more about how to cope with their brain injury, develop their skills and take the necessary steps to achieve their goals. This includes supporting with employment goals such as job seeking.
Contact: Valerie Semeria, ABI Services Manager

Tel: 020 7307 2570

Email: valerie.semeria@attend.org.uk

Web: https://abi.attend.org.uk/

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The Friends of Attend ABI (FAABI) raise funds and support ABI (Acquired Brain Injury) projects run by Attend. It has been established by a group of like-minded individuals who aim to improve the lives of those affected by brain injury. It welcomes anyone who has had an acquired brain injury and lives in the London area.

FAABI runs a range of social activities, educational courses, accessible fitness and sporting sessions as well as a whole host of other activities.

If you would like to take part in these events, please sign up through the FAABI website to receive the newsletter:

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Attend ABI - Supporting adults who have an acquired and non-progressive brain injury

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Friends of Attend ABI (FAABI) raise funds and support ABI (Acquired Brain Injury) projects run by Attend. It has been established by a group of like-minded individuals who aim to improve the lives of those affected by brain injury. It welcomes anyone who has had an acquired brain injury and lives in the London area.

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Royal London Vocational Rehabilitation Service (Barnet)

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Royal London Vocational Rehabilitation Service (Barnet)

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Specialist service led by an occupational therapist that offers support to people whose neurological diagnosis impacts on their work roles. Available to Barnet patients and funding has also been provided for Enfield, Harrow and Brent patients on an individual basis by the relevant CCG. For further information please contact the vocational rehabilitation occupational therapist: carinahumphreys@nhs.net or 020 3758 2465

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Specialist community-based rehabilitation for people with acquired brain injury that can provide tailored vocational rehabilitation support. The RNRU Outreach team provides specialist, community-based, interdisciplinary neurorehabilitation for adults (aged 16 and over) with non-progressive acquired brain injury. Their catchment area covers boroughs in North East London and parts of Essex.
Telephone: 020 8510 7967

Email: huh-tr.outreach@nhs.net

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Homerton University Hospital Foundation Trust

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Specialist community-based rehabilitation for people with acquired brain injury (ABI).

The RNRU Outreach team provides specialist, community-based, interdisciplinary neurorehabilitation for adults (aged 16 and over) with non-progressive acquired brain injury. Our catchment area covers boroughs in North East London and parts of Essex.

We are an evidence based service which adheres to the highest quality standards including national and government guidelines. We work in the community with people who have suffered a brain injury (for example as the result of traumatic brain injury, stroke, or infection).

We use a person-centred, holistic model of rehabilitation. We aim to increase clients' independence and self-esteem through improving their participation in work, study and leisure activities, and their social relationships. We aim to set up a network of support for each client and provide brain injury education so that gains are sustained and built upon post discharge.

Goals are decided between clients, their relatives/carers and the therapists, ensuring that each treatment package is individualised to suit a client's particular needs.

Typical treatment involves the therapists and assistants working with a client in his/her own home or another community setting approximately once or twice a week. Treatment usually lasts up to 12 weeks in the first instance.

As a specialist service, we can only consider referrals for clients whose rehabilitation goals cannot be met by local services (i.e. where the rehabilitation goals are of a level of complexity or require a specialist interdisciplinary neuropsychological rehabilitation approach that cannot be provided locally).

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Homerton University Hospital Foundation Trust

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Specialist community-based rehabilitation for people with acquired brain injury (ABI). The RNRU Outreach team provides specialist, community-based, interdisciplinary neurorehabilitation for adults (aged 16 and over) with non-progressive acquired brain injury. Our catchment area covers boroughs in North East London and parts of Essex.

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Wolfson NHS Vocational Rehabilitation Programme

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Wolfson NHS Vocational Rehabilitation Programme

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The Wolfson service helps neurological patients back into employment, through a tailored 1.5 day a week, 12-week programme. They are a multidisciplinary team consisting of occupational therapists, clinical neuropsychologists and a speech and language therapist. The programme is available to patients living in London and the surrounding areas.

Telephone: 020 8487 6358.

Email: stgh-tr.WolfsonVocationalProgramme@nhs.net

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St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

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We have a range of day patient services, predominantly suited to patients with higher level functional cognitive and communication problems:

Cognitive Assessment Programme

This is a three-day assessment programme, where patients attend once a week for detailed assessment with each member of the multidisciplinary team. During this time they will also meet with their keyworker to formulate goals and steps to achievement, based on their assessment results.

Day Patients

Patients can attend up to five days a week (after assessment of need) to work on predetermined goals. As well as individual sessions with the multidisciplinary team, there are also opportunities to attend groups. Goal planning meetings with the multidisciplinary team occur regularly.

Vocational Rehabilitation Programme

The Vocational Rehabilitation Programme helps neurological patients back into employment, through a tailored approach. The team provide assessment, guidance and support, helping clients regain their confidence.

A three-phase programme run by occupational therapists and clinical neuropsychologists; consisting of an assessment, a 12-week group programme (1.5 days a week) and ongoing support in order to work towards vocational goals.

The programme is available to patients living in London and the surrounding areas. Referrals are accepted from healthcare professionals (NHS), GPs, other NHS hospitals and Community teams. To be eligible the client must be; over 16, independent in personal care, have completed all medical investigations and neurorehabilitation, demonstrate a clear commitment to returning to work.

Contact details (for all programmes)

Vocational Rehabilitation Team
Wolfson Neurorehabilitation Centre
Queen Mary's Hospital
Roehampton Lane
Roehampton
SW15 5PN
020 8487 6358

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Day patient programmes - St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We have a range of day patient services, predominantly suited to patients with higher level functional cognitive and communication problems: Cognitive Assessment Programme This is a three-day assessment programme, where patients attend once a week for detailed assessment with each member of the multidisciplinary team. During this time they will ...

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Some local Headway services have therapist employment advisors who can provide vocational support.

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After making a degree of recovery from brain injury, you may feel that you are ready to return to work. However, the effects of brain injury can bring many changes to different aspects of life, including employment. You may find that you can no longer do the job that you once did in the same way, or that you can no longer do it safely.

This does not mean that you are no longer able to work, but that you may require adaptations to be made to the workplace to accommodate for your needs. Alternatively, you might find that a different role altogether is more suitable.

Returning to a previous job

When returning to work it is nearly always better to return to a job that you know well rather than to try a new job. Familiarity of the role, colleagues and the working environment can all be helpful, although you may find that some aspects of the job require adjusting to accommodate for any new needs.

You do not have to disclose or give details of your brain injury to your employer, but you might find it useful to do so. Under the Equality Act 2010, employers have a legal duty to make reasonable adjustments to the workplace for a disabled employee, so having an open discussion about how your brain injury has affected your work performance can help to identify ways in which useful adaptations can be made. For more information on this topic, see Headway's factsheets Brain injury - a guide for employers and A guide to the Equality Act 2010 (PDF).

You may wish to initiate a discussion on this by requesting a 'return to work interview', which can take place prior to formally returning to a job. Below are some ideas that you could consider discussing with your employer in a return to work interview:

Returning to work gradually; for example, starting at three mornings a week or even working from home to start off with

Returning with shorter hours

Taking more breaks through the day

Returning with less workload

Taking up a different role

You can also ask for regular meetings with your employer to discuss whether the adaptations are helping or whether you need further support to be arranged.

Finding a new job

If you are considering finding a new job after brain injury, it would be a good idea to start off by seeking advice and support from your local Jobcentre Plus. There are different advisors available at Jobcentres who can offer information about the options of returning to work with a disability.

Disability employment advisors (DEAs)

Some Jobcentres have Disability employment advisors (DEAs) who can offer specific advice about returning to work with a disability. However, the number of Jobcentres offering the DEA service has reduced over time, so it is a good idea to make contact with your local Jobcentre Plus first to find out whether they have a DEA available.

Work coaches

Work coaches can be accessed by individuals who receive the new welfare benefit Universal Credit, which is available in some parts of the country as a replacement to Income-related Employment and Support Allowance. They are non-specialist advisors who can offer support with preparing for returning to work.

DEAs and work coaches carry out an 'employment assessment'. This can help with identifying what kind of employment will be suitable considering your skills, abilities, previous employment and interests. These are important factors to consider when deciding on what kind of job you apply for. Upon completion of the assessment, the DEA or work coach can recommend suitable jobs or offer advice on schemes that can facilitate a return to work. Below are listed some returning to work schemes that you might wish to discuss with a DEA or a work coach:

Access to work

This is a governmental scheme that offers financial support with returning to work with a disability. The grant can be used to cover the cost of making adaptations to the workplace, such as if you need specialist equipment or require a more accessible environment. The scheme is available across the UK, although it differs slightly in Northern Ireland. There are also certain eligibility criteria, such as if you are in receipt of certain benefits. For more information, visit www.gov.uk/access-to-work/overview. For information on Access to work in Northern Ireland, visit www.nidirect.gov.uk/access-to-work-practical-help-at-work.

Vocational rehabilitation

This is a multidisciplinary service that often consists of health professionals (such as occupational therapists and physiotherapists) and employment services. Vocational rehabilitation is not a service in its own right, but an extension of NHS rehabilitation services. You can therefore make contact with your local NHS brain injury rehabilitation team to find out if they can offer vocational rehabilitation to help you with accessing suitable employment advisors.

Work Clubs

These are local community led clubs that can provide support to anyone unemployed with finding work and developing work-related skills. You can find details of your local Work Club by checking your local council website. Work Programme If you have been on Jobseeker's allowance for more than three months or if you are in the Work-related activity group of Employment and Support Allowance, you might be able to partake in a Work Programme. This is a scheme that can offer work experience and training for up to two years. For more information, speak to your local Jobcentre Plus. Work trials Undertaking a work trial allows you to try a job for up to 30 days on a voluntary basis without any employment related benefits being affected. You will need to discuss this option with the Jobcentre as there are some conditions attached, such as the number of hours a week that the job is offered.

Disability Confident

Employers who make a commitment to supporting disabled employees within the workplace can be identified by the Government's Disability Confident symbol. The presence of this symbol means that there is a likelihood that the employer will be willing to discuss how your brain injury affects your ability to work.

Alternative options to returning to work

If you do not quite feel ready to return to work and want to discover new skills or strengths before returning, there are a number of alternative options that you might wish to consider:

Practical strategies when preparing to return to work

Seeking support

It is important to choose a job that is right for you; even though you will likely know best about your personal skills, interests and experience, it can be very useful to seek advice and support from family, close friends and professional services. This can be particularly helpful if you experience memory issues, difficulties with making decisions or reduced self-awareness. Remember that accepting help from others is a sign of strength, not weakness, and the right support can make a successful return to work much easier.

Only return when you're ready

One of the most common problems brain injury survivors face when returning to work is that they return too soon because they do not realise how the effects of their brain injury will impact on their work performance. This is a particular problem when a good physical recovery has been made, as people often assume that cognitive abilities have also recovered. Returning to work often reveals the full extent of difficulties and returning too soon can damage confidence if

Performance doesn't meet expectations

It is advisable to avoid making major decisions and becoming involved in stressful situations until you feel you are ready. This is especially the case in jobs with high levels of stress and pressure and where margins for error are small. Mistakes made because of the injury could damage your confidence and hinder recovery. Be honest with yourself, prepare as much as possible and don't try to rush your recovery. Remember, try not to take on overtime, shift work or new responsibilities until you feel ready.

Be positive, but realistic

The attitude you have towards returning to work is very important. Research has shown that the following factors are particularly influential:

Willingness to accept and act on honest feedback from others

Realistic awareness and insight

Willingness to use strategies to help with these problems

Willingness to tell others what you need

Thinking positively does not just mean saying, "I will go back to work", but rather it means carefully considering and planning the best options. It means asking yourself, "what can I do?", "what am I going to have difficulty with?" and "how do I manage the problems?"

There is a balance to be found between positivity and realism. Unrealistic expectations can Practical strategies when preparing to return to work lead to disappointment and loss of self-esteem, and it is very important to think carefully about the effects of the injury and their impact on your abilities. However, it is equally important to be positive and committed in the path you choose to follow.

Communicate with your employer

You do not have a legal duty to disclose your brain injury to an employer and they are not allowed to ask questions about your health unless it is directly related to the job requirements. However, you should always disclose information related to your health if it may put yourself or other people at risk. The following suggestions can help to ensure that you are keeping communication open with your employer:

Make sure you keep in fairly regular contact with your employer while you are away. You might wish to ask a family member or a friend to do this for you if it is difficult to keep contact yourself.

Make sure you understand your sick pay entitlement and do not be afraid of discussing this with your employer

Provide your employer with information about brain injury, such as other Headway publications. Of particular relevance is the Headway factsheet Adaptations to the workplace - a guide for employers.

If you have a DEA or a relevant healthcare professional, ask if they would be willing to talk to your employer

Be honest with your employer about your abilities. If you are unsure about your ability to complete a task, tell them.

Make sure your employer is aware of any legal issues, such as if you have been told that you cannot drive due to an increased risk of epilepsy. This may also mean that you need to take other precautions at work.

Communicate with your colleagues

Again, it is up to you whether you tell colleagues about your brain injury and its effects. If you are returning to your previous job then they will know you have been away, so it can be better to tell them something about the situation. Don't feel that you have to share anything you aren't comfortable with, but it will help people to understand and make some allowances if you are as honest as possible. The following suggestions are worth considering:

Discuss with your employer whether you want your colleagues to know about your brain injury and any resulting disabilities. You are within your rights to ask for others not to be informed.

Keep in touch with friends at work while you are away in order to keep them informed about the situation. If you wish, ask them to keep other colleagues up-to-date and to discretely let them know of some of the difficulties you may experience when you return.

If starting a new job, you might like to arrange to visit your new colleagues before you formally start. It might be possible to arrange an induction process where you can discuss the situation and make sure people are aware in advance of any special arrangements.

Practice a structured home programme

It is important to be as prepared as possible before returning to work. An effective way of doing this is to follow a programme to assess and develop the skills that will be required. The aim is to be able to mimic a working week, so try to follow your programme throughout regular working hours. Try to do this for at least two weeks before returning to work.

Some suggestions for a structured home programme are:

Practise working at a computer and concentrating for as long as you will need to at work

Try to get up and go to bed at the times you will need to when you go back to work

Practise being physically active for as long as you would need to at work. This can involve any activities you like, such as mowing the lawn, shopping, cleaning the house or exercising at the gym.

Practise activities that involve planning and organising, such as shopping, cooking a meal, organising a night out with friends, or arranging a holiday

Practise activities that make you concentrate, such as computer games, watching films, reading books or doing crosswords

Practise taking notes when using the telephone

Practise any physical activities that you will need to do

Practise your time management skills by sticking to appointment times

Practise making journeys on public transport if you can no longer drive. It is particularly useful to practise making the journey to and from work at the times you will need to do so.

Practical strategies within the workplace

Make sure the working environment and demands of the job are suitable

The effects of brain injury can make some working environments unsuitable. For example, busy, noisy, stressful office environments can be difficult to cope with if you have difficulty with concentrating and filtering out unwanted distractions. Jobs with very high levels of stress and demanding time deadlines may also be unsuitable. The following characteristics can be particularly useful in a job:

Having a sympathetic employer who will provide feedback, support and stability

Low stress and few deadlines

Requiring pre-existing knowledge and skills

Requiring one task to be completed at a time

Structure, routine and predictability

Local and possibly part-time if fatigue is a problem

It is also important that the workplace itself is suitable. Before attempting to return you may need to make sure your GP agrees and that you will be covered by your employer's insurance. Your employer may need to do an occupational health assessment. Small and medium sized companies who don't have an occupational health department may be able to get help with this from NHS Health at Work. For more information, visit www.nhshealthatwork.co.uk.

Use compensatory strategies and external aids

Many people use external memory aids, regardless of whether they have a brain injury or not. They can, however, be particularly useful for people with memory problems following brain injury, as they limit dependency on memory systems. It is important to remember that this isn't cheating, and using external aids will not prevent any natural improvement of memory.
Some examples of memory aids include:

Diaries, filofaxes, datebooks or notebooks

To-do lists

Mobile phones

Watches

Calendars

Computer applications, such as calendars and alarms

Wall charts

Tape recorders and Dictaphones

Sticky-backed notes

Cameras

There are also many strategies that can help to compensate for problems. These will vary for different jobs and different people and it can be a matter of experimenting to find out what works for you. However, some advice can apply to most jobs. For example, remember that tasks become more manageable if broken down into small stages so that they are less overwhelming. Another example is to arrange to do particularly demanding tasks at times of the day when you are at your most alert.

You can find more information on the use of strategies and external aids in other Headway publications. Of particular relevance are the factsheets Difficulties with decision making after brain injury (PDF) and Coping with memory problems - practical strategies (PDF), and the booklets Memory problems after brain injury (PDF) and Managing fatigue after brain injury (PDF).

Arrange for careful monitoring and feedback

The effects of brain injury mean you may not always be able to accurately assess your own performance. Regular monitoring and feedback can help to identify and address problems as quickly as possible. Consider the following:

It can be a good idea to have somebody else to help you to monitor your progress, identify problems and provide feedback about strengths and weaknesses. It may be possible to have a colleague act as a 'mentor' for a while in order to do this.

Arrange regular review meetings with your employer in order to monitor your progress and pick up on any problems. Having another person present at review meetings (e.g. your DEA, occupational therapist, union representative or mentor) may be a good idea, especially when you first start back at work.

Remember, it is better to identify and sort out any problems as soon as they occur

Remember that sometimes problems can occur that are not due to your injury and are just a regular part of working life

Try to think of all feedback in a positive way, even if you have made mistakes

Treat mistakes and negative feedback as part of the learning process

Welfare benefits and returning to work

There are some welfare benefits that will carry on being paid if you return to work, while others will stop being paid once you start working. If you are on benefits and your employment circumstances change, you must inform the Jobcentre or the Department for Work and Pensions. Failure to notify a change in your circumstances can result in a civil penalty and you may be charged £50 as well as having to repay any benefits overpayments.

Online benefits calculators can sometimes help with identifying whether your benefits will be affected depending upon your employment circumstances. You can access benefit calculators from the following websites:

More information about benefits is available in the Headway booklet A guide to welfare benefits after brain injury (PDF).

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After making a degree of recovery from brain injury, you may feel that you are ready to return to work. However, the effects of brain injury can bring many changes to different aspects of life, including employment.

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Offers support with learning about careers, discovering strengths and skills, finding the right courses and training and job seeking with advice on where to search, how to apply, CVs and interviews.

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Careers advice - job profiles, information and resources | National Careers Service

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The National Careers Service can help you with your career, learning and training choices. Find out more about us and the different ways we can support you. This service is available to people who live in England.

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Help with moving from benefits to work – Work Experience and Volunteering

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Help with moving from benefits to work – Work Experience and Volunteering

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There are opportunities that can help to improve your chances of finding work such as work experience, volunteering and work trials. These schemes will provide you with good experience to put on your CV and offer you a chance to learn new skills and experience valuable to employers. Contact Jobcentre Plus for more information - you may also be able to receive help with cost such as childcare and travel expenses.

If you are aged 16 - 24 and you are receiving Jobseeker's Allowance, you can get a work experience opportunity through Jobcentre Plus. Work experience placements usually last between 2 and 8 weeks and it is expected that you will work between 25 to 30 hours a week.

There is also the 'Work Together' programme which can help you if you are unemployed and looking for work. 'Work Together' is a volunteering programme designed to help you get back into work. You can volunteer with a local organisation which can help you work temporarily and gain experience and skills.

There are two other trial schemes which can also help when you are trying to find work.

Work trials can provide you with a chance to try out a job and to keep receiving your benefits. Work trials can last up to 30 days with the possibility of being given a job offer at the end of the trial period. Work trials are voluntary and you will not be forced to give up your benefits if you finish the trial early or turn down a job that is offered to you at the end. Work trials are an excellent way for you to experience what working in a particular job would be like and to see if it would be suitable for you. You can contact your local Jobcentre Plus to help organise a work trial for you or to ask for information about how to organise one for yourself.

'Employment on Trial' is the second trial scheme. This scheme allows you to leave a job you have taken and start claiming Jobseeker's Allowance again without this affecting your benefit, unless your reason for leaving was that you were sacked or left because of misconduct. You must have worked at the job for more than 16 hours a week for a period between 4 and 12 weeks before leaving the job.

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Help with moving from benefits to work - Work Experience and Volunteering

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There are opportunities that can help to improve your chances of finding work such as work experience, volunteering and work trials. These schemes will provide you with good experience to put on your CV and offer you a chance to learn new skills and experience valuable to employers.

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The Work and Health Programme helps you find and keep a job if you’re out of work - eligibility, how to claim.

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Gain assistance and advice on returning to the workplace by speaking to a Work Coach at their local Jobcentre Plus.

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Coursera for building skills through free online courses from world-class universities and companies

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Coursera for building skills through free online courses from world-class universities and companies

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Coursera | Degrees, Certificates, & Free Online Courses

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Learn new job skills in online courses from industry leaders like Google, IBM, & Meta. Advance your career with top degrees from Michigan, Penn, Imperial & more.

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Open University for soft skills training

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Open University for soft skills training

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Learn to recognise the importance of soft skills and how you can improve skills in yourself and your organisation, with free courses from OpenLearn, endorsed by Google.

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Education for workplace training and skills

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Education for workplace training and skills

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New free online learning platform to boost workplace skills

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Online platform ‘The Skills Toolkit’ will help people to build their skills during the coronavirus outbreak and beyond.

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Volunteers are vital to the work of Headway. There are many ways in which you can help us with your time and effort. Below are just a few examples.
Local Groups and Branches

Those working in local Groups and Branches throughout the UK may need your help.

It could be a few hours a week giving administrative help, time spent on a telephone information line, helping with activities for those with brain injury, posting leaflets in your area, or organising outings and events. Help may be needed with activities such as art and crafts, hobbies, and computer skills. The possibilities are endless!

Please contact your local Headway Group or Branch directly, and they will let you know how you can help.

Headway UK Offices

If you are local to our Headway UK offices in Nottingham or London, help is often required with administrative duties. This could be inputting data, envelope stuffing, photocopying and filing. Special projects may arise which would benefit from professional help.

Students find Headway an ideal charity to work with on a project, either as part of their studies or for valuable work experience. Retired business men and women can gain satisfaction from knowing that by giving only a few hours a week, they can significantly help a worthwhile cause whilst keeping their skills sharp.

If you would like to help in any way, please contact us.

Charity shops

As a Volunteer Shop Assistant you get the chance to try a variety of tasks from serving customers to sorting stock and dressing windows. You choose what hours and what days you want to work and you'll get plenty of training and support as well as working in a team of great people.

Why we need you

If we were to replace our volunteers with paid staff it would cost us thousands of pounds - taking away all our profits made in the shops from the charity. The profits we do make, with your help - go to supporting people affected by the trauma of brain injury.

What will you be doing?

"As soon as I came in to Headway, I was made so welcome. The shop is evident of professionalism and structure, the team at the shop are great, you cannot keep me away!"
- Diane Noland, Headway Retail Volunteer

Working as a team to help maximise sales for our charity

Talking to customers & making them feel welcome to browse around our shop

Advising & helping customers to buy!

Operating the till (it's simple to use & training will be given)

Sorting & preparing stock donations ready for the shop floor

Asking people to donate their unwanted items for our shop to sell

What skills do you need?

Willingness to work as a team and have some fun!

Trustworthy, polite, helpful and friendly

A warm smile!

We also need people with additional skills such as:

Creative skills - to help with displays & window dressing

D.I.Y skills - to help with shop maintenance, putting up shelves etc.

Basic numeracy - to help with the till

How much time will you need to commit?

It's up to you! We are flexible to work around your other commitments. Any time you can give will help us.

Ideally we would like you to help on a set shift(s) each week - this way our Manager can plan the team so that we haven't got 5 volunteers on one day and none the next!

Many of our volunteers help out for one or two 3-hour shifts a week (either morning or afternoon to suit you).

What support will you be given?

Your Manager will give you an induction and follow up training until you feel confident

You will never be alone and there will always be someone to ask for help if you need it

You can always speak to your Manager or call the Retail Development Manager for your region for advice and support

What are the benefits for you?

"I volunteer as it's a purpose of worth. I've found companionship and friends. It encourages my mobility to get out my home."
- Jayne Copeman, Headway Retail Volunteer

The satisfaction of knowing you are helping to raise vital funds to support people affected by brain injury

Learning new skills and gaining retail experience (it's great to put on your CV)

It's something different to get you out of the house and to build your confidence

The enjoyment of meeting new people (customers and staff) and being part of a team

Where will you work?

Headway currently has over 30 charity shops where you can volunteer. Find a shop near you.

How do you apply?

Simply chat to the Manager in your local shop, click the button below to apply online, or download an application form in the related links section.

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Volunteers are vital to the work of Headway. There are many ways in which you can help us with your time and effort. Below are just a few examples. Those working in local Groups and Branches throughout the UK may need your help.

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Volunteers are an essential part of our work. Thank you for taking the first steps towards changing the world for people affected by stroke. Find out how you can volunteer with us.

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The National Council for Voluntary Organisations

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The National Council for Voluntary Organisations

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Coronavirus
With the rapid development of coronavirus, volunteering has become even more crucial to our communities. Here's how you can help with volunteering assistance relating to coronavirus.

Volunteering can make a real difference to your own life and the lives of those around you. There are loads of ways to get involved and plenty of organisations that can help you find your dream role.

So how do you go about finding the right volunteering role for you? Here are three steps to follow:

1. Think about what interests or excites you.
This could be something you enjoyed doing before, or something completely new.

2. Think about what time or skills you can give.
With so many opportunities to choose from, it's a great idea to narrow down the choices by deciding what you're willing to give.

3. Get researching!
NCVO doesn't hold a list of roles, there are simply too many. But you can:

go to your local volunteer centre

search the internet

ask friends what they do

or check out one of the online opportunity finders below.

Contact your local Volunteer Centre

Volunteer Centres are local organisations that provide support to volunteers and the organisations that involve them. If you want to find an opportunity in your local area, this can be an ideal place to start. Use the link below to locate your nearest centre.
Find your local Volunteer Centre
Search the 'Do IT' volunteering database

Every 45 seconds someone in the UK finds a volunteering opportunity thanks to Do-IT Life. Do IT is the national database of volunteering opportunities. Search more than 1 million volunteering opportunities by interest, activity or location and apply online.

Search for voluntary work on CharityJob

CharityJob is the UK's largest and most specialised job board for the not-for-profit sector. Every month, they connect nearly half a million people with paid and voluntary roles in a range of inspiring organisations. With thousands of volunteer and trustee positions available at any time, they're sure to have the perfect position for you.
Visit CharityJob
Volunteering matters

Volunteering Matters believe that everyone can play a role in their community and should have the chance to participate: they build volunteering projects and programmes to reflect this. Their volunteer programmes help to improve health and wellbeing; build stronger, more inclusive communities; and achieve lasting results. Their projects are designed to suit you whether you're looking for part-time volunteering, full-time volunteering or event corporate volunteering.
Visit Volunteering matters
Reach volunteering

Join the Reach community to use your skills.

Reach is the leading skills-based volunteering charity in the UK and the single biggest source of trustees for the voluntary sector in the UK. Reach has hundreds of opportunities for volunteers to use their professional skills to help charities. Using the website, you can search for opportunities, make contact and ask questions, as well as create a profile so charities can contact you.
Visit Reach volunteering
Consider becoming a charity trustee

You can volunteer your time, skills and professional expertise by becoming the trustee of a charity. It is a serious but rewarding undertaking. As a trustee, you would oversee everything a charity does, setting its strategy and having overall responsibility for the charity's work and its finances.
Visit How Charities Work

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Coronavirus With the rapid development of coronavirus, volunteering has become even more crucial to our communities. Here's how you can help with volunteering assistance relating to coronavirus. Volunteering can make a real difference to your own life and the lives of those around you.

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Volunteering can be a helpful way of gaining experience in a new area of work, building routine and work tolerance and developing skills.

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Do IT | Connecting people to do good things

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Do IT | Connecting people to do good things

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Do IT helps people build meaningful connections, do good things, and feel healthier and happier as a result.

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Access to Work eligibility letter for employees and employers

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Access to Work eligibility letter for employees and employers

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Employees should take this letter to their employer or a job interview if they think they can get help from the Access to Work scheme.

Documents

Details

Access to Work helps disabled people in the workplace by providing support and helping pay for adjustments beyond reasonable adjustments, including:

special aids, equipment or adaptations needed at work

a support worker to help someone do their job

help with travel if they have difficulties using public transport

a communicator at job interviews

mental health support

Report a problem with this page

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Access to Work eligibility letter for employees and employers

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Skip to main content We use some essential cookies to make this website work. We'd like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services. We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

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An Access to Work grant can help to cover the costs of practical support in the workplace for a person with a disability or long-term condition. A grant can pay for special equipment, adaptations or support worker services or a taxi scheme to help getting to and from work. Access to Work can also provide mental health support for the workplace.

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Easy read: get support in work if you have a disability or health condition (Access to Work)

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This easy read guide explains what Access to Work is and how you can apply for it.

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Join a virtual group

Find out about our virtual groups for people with aphasia

Join a face-to-face group

We offer weekly and monthly opportunities across London

Find other types of support

Find out about other ways we can support you and keep in touch

Make a referral

If you would like to join a group, or make a referral, please fill in our application form or contact us.

Our groups are now meeting virtually.
Visit our pages on continuing support at home to find out how we can support you and keep in touch during these difficult and uncertain times, or contact us at info@aphasiareconnect.org / 07885 288 943.

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Find out about our virtual groups for people with aphasia We offer weekly and monthly opportunities across London Find out about other ways we can support you and keep in touch If you would like to join a group, or make a referral, please fill in our application form or contact us.

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Visit our pages on continuing support at home to find out how we can support you and keep in touch during these difficult and uncertain times, or contact us at info@aphasiareconnect.org / 07885 288 943.

Virtual-Music-Group-flyer-2020

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Visit our pages on continuing support at home to find out how we can support you and keep in touch during these difficult and uncertain times, or contact us at info@aphasiareconnect.org / 07885 288 943. Virtual-Music-Group-flyer-2020

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How can singing support stroke recovery?

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How can singing support stroke recovery?

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It's common for people to be left with communication difficulties after a stroke. They might not be able to read, find their words or string together sentences in ways that make sense. This can feel very isolating and can make it harder for them to do things on their own, like going to the shops.

Speech and language therapy can help and we've also found, through our Stroke Support groups, that singing might help too.

So we've funded research into singing in recovery, asking questions like 'what makes a successful singing support group?' And 'why is singing helpful for people who can no longer communicate clearly?'

Our research found stroke survivors were keen to take part in group singing sessions, led by specially trained musicians and a stroke survivor with communication difficulties themselves. They looked forward to it each week.

Researchers involved in the 'Singing for people with aphasia' study (SPA) think that group singing might help in recovery as people make closer connections with others, rebuilding their social networks and confidence needed for recovery.

For singing to be offered as a therapy for stroke, we need research to find out which programmes could make a difference and for who. And this research takes us a beat in the right direction.

We think that group singing can help people with communication difficulties after stroke by creating a safe space and strong bonds between people.

Dr Mark Tarrant states that "it's important for people to rebuild social connections and confidence that can be devastated by stroke. Each week, the coffee breaks seemed to get longer and people arrived earlier so they had more time to spend together."

A spotlight on singing in Stroke Support

We asked people at Stroke Support groups in Northern Ireland, who had started doing singing and music activities, what they thought. We found that almost everyone was positive about the sessions.

They said they felt like socialising more, relaxed and their mood improved.

We continue to work with researchers and our Stroke Support groups to find out how activities, like group singing, could help people to rebuild their lives after stroke.

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How can singing support stroke recovery?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
It's common for people to be left with communication difficulties after a stroke. They might not be able to read, find their words or string together sentences in ways that make sense. This can feel very isolating and can make it harder for them to do things on their own, like going to the shops.

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The UK's most trusted travel insurance provider

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The UK's most trusted travel insurance provider

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Travel Insurance for Stroke

If you are thinking of travelling abroad or within the UK following a stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA or mini-stroke), then let this AllClear guide to specialist medical travel insurance help you through the process. We at AllClear are committed to giving high-quality service to our customers, and our tailored, comprehensive travel insurance policies are especially designed to cover pre-existing medical conditions such as a stroke. Regardless of your age we can provide 5-star cover for you and your travelling party. As long as the FCDO or the WHO are not advising against travelling to your chosen destination then we can get you covered.

AllClear Comprehensive Travel Insurance for Stroke or TIA (Mini-Stroke)

Each year in the UK, 100,000 people suffer from a stroke or TIA according to Stroke Association - that's around one stroke every 5 minutes! And with over 1.2million stroke survivors in the UK, it's vital that we can supply you with the kind of medical insurance cover that you need.

Following a stroke we understand that you might be hesitant to travel, so there's a few things you might want to check before making your decision:

You haven't been advised not to travel by a medical professional

Think about the destination you're travelling to and if it is suitable for you regarding physical exertion etc

If you feel that your destination is suitable and that you are confident to travel then you'll need to have a suitable medical travel insurance policy in place before you leave the UK that will take care of any costs for emergency medical treatment abroad. That's where AllClear can provide you with the added satisfaction of knowing that you have a 5-star comprehensive insurance policy in place that will protect you financially should you require any emergency treatment while away

If the worst happens while away abroad it's bad enough that you are far from home, family and friends, so you don't want the added pressure and worry about paying the costs of any emergency medical treatment you might require as a result of your stroke or TIA. Medical expenses abroad can accumulate and be significantly costly. They can leave you or your loved ones with a life-changing debt to pay. Should you require medical transport back to the UK, this alone can be tens of thousands of pounds.

Our AllClear policies can cover you for emergency medical expenses, including repatriation, up to £15million. We can offer you cover for cancellation as well as personal property and a whole host of additional, optional extras to enhance and personalise your policy to suit your specific needs.

Do you need Travel Insurance for Stroke or TIA

With so many different things to consider and arrange when booking a holiday, it's so easy to forget why we need travel insurance. Following a stroke, even if you go on holiday in the UK, you should have a medical travel insurance policy in place to protect you from things like cancellation or curtailment costs that might occur. Should you or a travelling companion require medical transport repatriation back to your local area then this may not be covered by the NHS.

When travelling outside of the UK it is simply essential to have medical travel insurance following a stroke/ TIA . If you have any other pre-existing medical conditions then they should also be covered by your insurance provider.

At AllClear, our insurance policies will cover the costs of any emergency medical expenses up to £15million. A study by The Independent found that a claim is made every minute by UK residents abroad.

A comprehensive AllClear medical travel insurance policy can give you the cover you need to feel safe and secure within your travels following a stroke or TIA.

Call our AllClear team today on 0800 077 777!

One policy for the Whole Family following a Stroke

Our 5-star rated AllClear policies are designed to cover singles, couples, families or even large groups. You don't need to have separate policies if you are travelling with loved ones or friends. Let AllClear make it simple and easy and give all of your party the same policy, regardless of individual age or pre-existing medical conditions. Get everyone covered in one place at the same time with a comprehensive medical travel insurance policy from AllClear.

How much will your Travel Insurance for Stroke or Mini-Stroke cost?

Your travel insurance policy premium will be based on any pre-existing medical conditions that you declare to start with. Then the cost of specific medical treatment in the country you are going to as well as the length of time you will be away for will also be contributing factors. Any optional extras that you add to your policy to enhance it will also affect the final premium.

What if Your Stroke or TIA Was Many Years Ago?

If you still take any kind of prescribed medication as a result of having a stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA or mini-stroke) then you will still need to declare it on your insurance policy, no matter how long ago it was. This is so we can see that you are taking medication following the stroke and that may affect any treatment you receive while you're away which can alter the costs.

Should You Talk to Your GP Before You Travel?

You may want to speak to your GP or medical practitioner if you are planning to travel following a stroke or mini-stroke. The air pressure inside of a plane is lower than we breathe on the ground level, which results in less oxygen being carried in your bloodstream. So let your doctor know you'll be flying - in case you need any oxygen to be provided during your flight.

After a stroke, you're at greater risk of developing a clot in the leg during a flight. Make sure you keep active on a flight to prevent clots, including standing up every 30 minutes or taking a walk along the plane. In addition, it may be worth buying compression socks to wear during your flight. Consider booking seats with extra leg-room to make your journey as comfortable as possible. Or even arrange priority boarding. The aim is to make your trip as stress-free as possible.

All Clear Enhanced Cover and Optional Extras

At AllClear we have lots of ways to design your policy to suit your individual needs. Should you be going on a cruise or a skiing holiday, then we can offer you the specific cover you'll require. Make sure you let us know of any specialist activities you are thinking of doing and we will let you know what cover you will need. With a number of our optional extras available such as winter sports travel insurance and gadget cover, we are sure you will find the right policy with AllClear. So call us today for a quote on 0800 077 777 and let us get you covered!

Cruise Holidays following a Stroke

If you are thinking of going on a cruise holiday following a stroke then it's important that you have the correct and adequate cover in place before you travel. Should you require a medical helicopter to transport you to the nearest medical vicinity then you'll need to ensure that your policy will cover that specific expense. Add AllClear cruise insurance to your policy and travel safely and securely.

Golf Holidays following a Stroke

Thinking of going on a golf holiday following a stroke or TIA? We at AllClear have specialist golf travel insurance to give you that extra protection you will need. Add golf cover to your policy and enjoy a few rounds with 5-star insurance to cover your whole game.

Covid-19 and Stroke

While we're all desperate to get away following the hard year of 2020, it's important to assess the risk and ensure we are making the right decisions. Following a stroke or TIA, patients are more likely to contract pneumonia as a complication following a positive COVID-19 Coronavirus test result, according to Stroke Association. This means that we need to be extra cautious following a stroke/ TIA (mini stroke) Before we can offer you travel insurance we must have a few things checked:-

Are you fit to travel?

As long as you haven't been advised not to travel by a medical professional then we are happy to give you a quote.

Are any Travel Restrictions in Place?

Providing that there are no current travel restrictions in place by the FCDO or the WHO then we are happy to offer you cover!

All Clear Enhanced Coronavirus COVID-19 Cover

The impact of the Coronavirus COVID-19 has been felt by all of us and is still very much an ongoing world situation, so it is always best to keep up to date with the latest advice on travelling following a stroke given by the government and also check with the NHS when possible. Don't hesitate to ask any questions you have or raise any concerns - our AllClear team is always here to answer any questions you might want to ask.

At AllClear we are proud to be able to offer our enhanced Coronavirus travel insurance for medical emergency expenses with a COVID-19 positive test result. We can also now offer cover for cancellation following a positive diagnosis as well. Our COVID-19 FAQs can give you up to the date information regarding our COVID-19 cover.

Does having a Stroke or Mini-Stroke Limit your Travel Ability?

Following a stroke you may find it more difficult to get travel insurance from your usual provider. That's why you'll need a specialist medical travel insurance provider to give you the cover you need. Wirth a medical specialist insurance provider like AllClear we will be able to offer you comprehensive medical travel insurance with a whole host of benefits so you can still enjoy your much-loved holidays away. At AllClear we can offer you single trip cover with a maximum duration limit of 365 days or an annual multi trip policy, which will cover any amount of holidays you choose to go on during a 12 month period. We believe everyone deserves the right to travel following a stroke or mini-stroke.

What Should a Travel Insurance Policy for a Stroke or TIA Cover?

You'll need to declare your stroke as well as any other pre-existing medical conditions you might have.

Emergency medical expenses - cover for stroke/ TIA (mini stroke) and any emergency medical expenses

Cancellation and curtailment - cover for the cancelation of your holiday and also for curtailment, should you have to come home early due to medical circumstances

Baggage and Personal Property - Your passport, bags, personal possessions and cash can also be covered should they be lost, stolen or damaged while you're away

Gadget Cover - your medical travel insurance policy can also cover any gadgets and smart devices that you might need extra protection for

Benefits of AllClear Cover

Gold

Gold Plus

Platinum

Recuperation stay

Cost of return flight due to COVID-19

* If you buy a policy which includes cancellation cover

All these figures are per person and per trip

Will you be covered if you're travelling during the COVID-19 pandemic?

There are three things to check so that you can make sure you're covered:

You must be fit to travel

The FCDO must NOT have advised against travel to your destination - check the FCDO travel advice

You must follow the local government advice for your destination, checking and following their guidelines and entry requirements

You can then be covered for emergency medical expenses and cancellation for a positive diagnosis of COVID-19, with AllClear travel insurance with enhanced Coronavirus cover. Existing policyholders should read our Frequently Asked Questions if your trip is affected by Covid-19.

Simple 3 step quote process

1. Call us or click a quote button on our site
Once you are ready to start the quote process, the first step is to provide your personal details and information about your holiday plans.
2. Complete our simple medical screening process
You then declare the medical conditions for you (and any other travellers) and answer the specifically designed medical questions.
3. Get your quotes
You will then get your quotes and can either proceed to buy, or save your quote, at this stage. Freephone to get your quote on: 0800 077 777 or Start Quote Online
Why Choose All Clear for Stroke Travel Insurance?

We hope you have found this guide to travelling following a stroke helpful and we hope you can enjoy your travel plans in the future with a policy you can trust.

So why choose AllClear for your medical travel insurance needs? We have been committed to giving the highest level of service and product for over 20 years and our customers have given us a 4.9 Trustpilot rating.

Read AllClear Trustpilot Reviews

Here's what a recent customer had to say:

"The insurance offered was perfect for us following my husband's stroke. The price was reasonable and I could be included as a travelling companion so I would be covered for cancellation due to my husband's medical conditions, which my insurance company would not cover".
- Geoffrey - Trustpilot

We're very proud to have been awarded many awards and accolades for our commitment to service, product and customer satisfaction.

When you travel with AllClear you are travelling with a medical insurance provider specialist.

So leave it in the hands of the experts and call AllClear today!

[1] Based on Trustpilot reviews of all companies in the Travel Insurance Company category that have over 25,000 reviews as of May 2021.

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Travel Insurance for Stroke If you are thinking of travelling abroad or within the UK following a stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA or mini-stroke), then let this AllClear guide to specialist medical travel insurance help you through the process.

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Here For You – telephone support service

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Here For You – telephone support service

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My Stroke Guide’s trusted online support is all in one place, whenever you need it, to guide you through your stroke recovery journey. Access easy-to-read information, advice and videos. Connect to other stroke survivors in the ‘My social’ community pages.

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Virtual activity/support groups aimed at combating loneliness and aiding mental rehabilitation after stroke

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Virtual activity/support groups aimed at combating loneliness and aiding mental rehabilitation after stroke

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A stroke not only has a huge impact on the individuals affected, it can also transform the lives of their loved ones. With many survivors facing long term difficulties with movement, speech or vision, a friend or family member may need to give up their job or own social and leisure activities to care for them.

Although rehabilitation can help people to regain some independence, it is not always going to be an easy journey and the emotional toll can be hard for carers to bear. Seeing a loved one go through the experience of stroke is traumatic and upsetting, and it is perfectly natural to experience a wide range of emotions. Talking to somebody who has been in your shoes can be a real comfort and we host regular carers' coffee mornings for those in need of a friendly ear, as well as our wellbeing course for more structured coping strategies.

At Think Ahead, we recognise that those who care for stroke survivors play a critical role in the recovery process. All of our events, activities and support courses are available for carers to attend either alone, or to accompany a stroke survivor. We can also provide a wealth of advice and guidance on practical matters, from claiming benefits to making the necessary adjustments to the home.

Since Covid-19, our popular weekly carers support group is now held online, via video link on Wednesdays at 1.30pm.

Topics are member generated, and have so far included tips on how to cope during lock-down, and how to access essential local services remotely.

To get involved you'll need either a smart phone, a tablet or a computer with a web camera - if you care for a stroke survivor please contact Alex on 01942 824 888 or email [email protected]

However - we also run a monthly face-to-face Carers Group here at our Stroke Information Centre. This takes place on the last Wednesday of the month, 1pm till 2:30pm.

Due to the current climate booking is ESSENTIAL, so please call 01942 824888 if you would be interested in attending the face to face sessions.

Most read

Download Think Ahead's healthy living leaflet for information on how to avoid stroke, or the FAST poster to find out what to do if somebody is having a stroke

In these challenging and unusual times, it's important that we still recognise and respond to ill-health that is unrelated to the Coronavirus. Hospitals are reporting significant falls in admission for a range of conditions, including transient ischaemic attack, TIAs or "mini strokes".

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A stroke not only has a huge impact on the individuals affected, it can also transform the lives of their loved ones. With many survivors facing long term difficulties with movement, speech or vision, a friend or family member may need to give up their job or own social and leisure activities to care for them.

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Mentoring programme for stroke survivors and their carers by Think Ahead

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Mentoring programme for stroke survivors and their carers by Think Ahead

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Think Ahead Stroke's well established peer Mentoring Programme is now being delivered remotely, with peer mentors meeting regularly with stroke survivors and their carers via phone or video, listening and understanding personal challenges, before sharing their experiences and advice.

We currently have capacity on the programme, and welcome self referrals, referrals from local health and social care colleagues, and those who work for other charities and organisations.

The programme

The early days after a stroke are usually the hardest, and stroke survivors and their carers will often find themselves in a very unfamiliar and even threatening world where even simple tasks can seem impossible.

How do I get from A to B? Access the right services? How do I aide my recovery: restore my speech, mobility and confidence?

"Will I ever feel like me again?" Trying to answer these questions without support can feel like trial and error, with every wrong turn wasting valuable time, effort and money.

Think Ahead Stroke felt it had a solution, and in 2009 first established its Mentoring Programme for stroke survivors and their carers.

Think Ahead Stroke understands that there is no substitute for experience, and this programme matches recent stroke survivors with real trained volunteers.

Once paired, the 'peers' build a relationship that is based on the unique circumstances and needs of the stroke survivor and carer. The objective is to accelerate mental and physical recovery through meeting up and sharing knowledge, experience and practical advice.

Recurring themes include:

Home adaptation

Finding specialist care and services

Transport and getting around

For more information please call 01942 824 888.

Most read

Download Think Ahead's healthy living leaflet for information on how to avoid stroke, or the FAST poster to find out what to do if somebody is having a stroke

In these challenging and unusual times, it's important that we still recognise and respond to ill-health that is unrelated to the Coronavirus. Hospitals are reporting significant falls in admission for a range of conditions, including transient ischaemic attack, TIAs or "mini strokes".

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Think Ahead Stroke's well established peer Mentoring Programme is now being delivered remotely, with peer mentors meeting regularly with stroke survivors and their carers via phone or video, listening and understanding personal challenges, before sharing their experiences and advice.

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Support for carers provided by Stroke Association

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Support for carers provided by Stroke Association

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Many of the organisations providing information and support to people who have had a stroke also offer services to their carers. Others are dedicated to meeting the needs of carers alone.

NHS guide to care and support
Offers online guidance and information for carers. Also provides confidential UK-wide information, advice and signposting for carers through their Carers Direct helpline (open seven days a week).

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Many of the organisations providing information and support to people who have had a stroke also offer services to their carers. Others are dedicated to meeting the needs of carers alone. NHS guide to care and support Offers online guidance and information for carers.

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Emotional support services provided by Stroke Association

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Emotional support services provided by Stroke Association

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Around a third of stroke survivors experience post-stroke depression, and 20% will suffer from emotionalism within six-months of their stroke. Our Emotional Support Service can help. If you are involved in planning or providing health and social care, your role is crucial in helping stroke survivors and carers deal with the emotional impact of stroke, which can be just as devastating as the physical.

When a physical illness like stroke is accompanied by mental illness, it worsens various outcomes, including a survivor's life expectancy. Healthcare costs for patients with long-term conditions, who also have depression, are typically 45% higher than those without.

Read Paul's story to find out more about how he has benefitted from the Emotional Support Service.

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Around a third of stroke survivors experience post-stroke depression, and 20% will suffer from emotionalism within six-months of their stroke. Our Emotional Support service can help. If you are involved in planning or providing health and social care, your role is crucial in helping stroke survivors and carers deal with the emotional impact of stroke, which can be just as devastating as the physical.