Your guide to stroke, its warning signs, eligibility for NDIS or aged care funding post stroke, and more.
What is a stroke?
A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. When that happens, brain cells can be deprived of oxygen, potentially causing permanent damage.
The impact stroke has on cognition, speech and movement, will depend on which areas of the brain have been affected, and for how long. The sooner treatment is given, the greater chance there is of limiting impairment.
There are three different types of stroke: Ischaemic, Haemorrhagic and Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA) or ‘mini-stroke’.
Learn more about stroke.
What are the warning signs of stroke?
If you’re concerned that you, or someone else, is having a stroke, call 000 immediately. While stroke presents differently from person to person, there are some common indicators represented by the stroke memory-prompt ‘FAST’:
Face – watch for facial drooping on one side, or an inability to smile
Arms – check for numbness on one side, or problems lifting one or both arms
Speech – listen for slurring, problems forming or understanding words, or a general sense of confusion
Time – act fast, to minimise damage.
Learn more about how to quickly identify a stroke and risk of stroke.
How to help someone having a stroke
When it comes to stroke, every second counts. You can potentially save someone’s life and help limit brain damage by understanding what stroke is and what the warning signs of stroke look like.
First, and most importantly, call triple zero and stay calm. Do not drive to the hospital yourself, as first-responders can start the life-saving treatment on arrival, as well as selecting the best hospital for the person’s condition.
While you wait for the ambulance to arrive, there are some things you can do to help, such as ensuring the person is in a safe, warm and comfortable position; loosening any tight clothing; ensuring their airway is clear, and more.
Learn more about how you can help someone experiencing a stroke and getting support after stroke.
How can you prevent stroke?
A stroke can occur at any age and can be caused by factors such as age, family history and gender, existing medical conditions and poor lifestyle habits that cause high blood pressure and narrowing of arteries over time.
While factors such as age, family history and gender are out of our control, we can control our lifestyle choices to prevent strokes.
By adopting a healthy diet and exercising regularly, as well as avoiding smoking and alcohol, we can prevent clogged arteries, high cholesterol, high blood-pressure and ultimately, prevent stroke.
Learn more stroke prevention tips to help yourself or someone you know who’s at risk of stroke.
Stroke and eligibility for NDIS funding
Stroke is Australia’s second biggest killer, and a leading cause of disability. If you or someone you know has experienced a stroke – and is aged under 65 – you may be eligible for NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) funding. You must also:
- be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or Protected Special Category Visa holder
- live in Australia
- need disability-specific supports to complete daily life activities.
If the person is aged over 65, they may be eligible for aged care funding. Eligibility for NDIS funding for stroke care rests on factors including what your disability is, whether it’s temporary or permanent, and how it impacts your life (i.e. might its effect be considered ‘significant’?).
Through the NDIS, you may be eligible to receive support with daily personal activities, travel and transport, social participation, therapeutic supports, among others. Learn more about how to apply for NDIS funding for stroke.Once your application for NDIS funding has been approved, you can use it to connect with independent support workers on Mable to start your support services.
With Mable, you can find support for stroke care even without NDIS funding. When you sign up with Mable, you can connect directly with support workers to find the support services you need.
By paying privately for your support services, you are in control of the exact support you need, when and where you need it, and from whom you choose to get those services. Additionally, since you’re connecting with support workers of your choice directly, you have the flexibility to mutually decide a price that works for you and them.
