ONE in five people who are caring for stroke survivors have not received the appropriate support, according to figures published last week by the Stroke Association.

The charity also revealed that 40 per cent of stroke carers who had been caring for more than three years report feeling “exhausted”, with “around 1 in 3 stressed or anxious.”

The figures were published in the Stroke Association’s Lived Experience report – the UK’s largest ever survey of people affected by stroke, with over 11,000 responses.

The Stroke Association say there are currently over 1.2 million stroke survivors in the UK, and 62 per cent of those surveyed said they had relied on the help of an unpaid carer at some point since their stroke.

Stuart Atkin, 75 from Bradford, is a full-time carer for his wife Pam, whose stroke left her with left-sided weakness and also affected her cognitively.

Carers from a private company would “come for a half-an-hour visit” according to Mr. Atkin, but he still struggled – “In the meantime I had to cope. Nobody explained to me what being a full-time carer involved”, he said.

Mr. Atkin said in the weeks that followed, “Everything went wrong”, including “The wrong medication being provided”, describing it all as “a nightmare.”

“As a former architect and company director, I’ve always been in charge, but this was out of my control. I felt stressed and couldn’t sleep. I was overwhelmed.”

Mr. Atkin was prescribed medication to help him deal with the stress.

“I think I had a nervous breakdown. It was completely out of character for me."

After the couple’s son and daughter arranged for Pam to spend five weeks at Park House Nursing Home, Mr. Atkin saw a psychiatric doctor – “The doctor told me that I’d experienced something similar to a bereavement. I wasn’t getting the support I needed.”

“While Pam was in the home, I’d go and see her each day. I felt guilty that she was in there and thought I’d let her down.”

After Pam came home, Mr. Atkin arranged for the carers to come and visit again.

Speaking on his current situation, he said, “I feel fine, I’m still on some medication but I’m in control now. The carers come once each morning, which I pay for. Pam is a lot more confident and I can see a real improvement physically. I’m looking to get a vehicle so we can go out and about.”

Juliet Bouverie, Chief Executive of the Stroke Association, said, “Overnight, a partner can become an unpaid carer. These figures show how taking on the role of a carer often comes at the cost of the carer’s health.”

“Every carer is entitled to a Carer’s Assessment from their local authority, to make sure they have the help and support they need.”, Juliet clarifies.

Stroke Association offer ‘Life After Stroke Grants’ for short breaks for carers and support through their Stroke Helpline (0303 3033 100). For more information visit: www.stroke.org.uk