CHW149-Stroke Awareness, Prevention, and Care Policy
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Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}
Stroke Awareness, Prevention, and Care Policy
1. Purpose
This policy outlines the procedures and principles adopted by {{org_field_name}} to promote awareness, prevent strokes where possible, and ensure effective and compassionate care for individuals affected by strokes. It reflects our commitment to meeting the standards required under the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016, the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014, and guidance from Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW), including a strong alignment with the values of dignity, respect, and promoting positive outcomes.
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all staff are competent in recognising early signs of stroke, acting promptly, providing appropriate care during recovery, and delivering tailored support that enables each individual to maintain their quality of life. It supports a whole-team approach to reducing stroke risks and ensuring timely medical and therapeutic intervention.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all staff employed by {{org_field_name}}, including permanent, temporary, agency, and volunteer staff. It also applies to any individual residing in our care home who has experienced or is at risk of experiencing a stroke. The policy includes staff responsibilities, training expectations, early identification procedures, response mechanisms, rehabilitation support, care planning, and family engagement.
3. Related Policies
This policy should be read in conjunction with the following:
- CHW07 – Person-Centred Care Policy
- CHW08 – Dignity and Respect Policy
- CHW09 – Consent to Care Policy
- CHW11 – Safe Care and Treatment Policy
- CHW12 – Meeting Nutritional and Hydration Needs Policy
- CHW17 – Infection Prevention and Control Policy
- CHW18 – Risk Management and Assessment Policy
- CHW24 – Management of Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses Policy
- CHW27 – Staff Supervision, Training, and Development Policy
- CHW36 – Initial Assessment and Care Planning Policy
- CHW40 – Assisting with Personal Care Policy
4. Policy Statement and Implementation
A. Promoting Stroke Awareness Among Staff and Residents
{{org_field_name}} is committed to increasing awareness of stroke symptoms, causes, and long-term impacts. All care staff must complete annual training on stroke recognition and care, including use of the FAST (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) tool. This will be incorporated into our mandatory training programme and overseen by the Registered Manager.
Staff will be trained to identify sudden changes such as facial drooping, arm weakness, or slurred speech. They will understand the urgency of these signs and the importance of seeking immediate emergency medical support.
Visual aids explaining stroke symptoms will be displayed throughout the care home in staff areas and communal areas used by residents and their families.
B. Stroke Risk Assessment and Prevention
As part of the admission process and ongoing care planning (refer to CHW36), each resident will be assessed for stroke risk using recognised clinical tools in collaboration with medical professionals. Factors assessed include blood pressure, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, smoking history, diet, alcohol use, and mobility status.
{{org_field_name}} will implement individualised prevention strategies, such as support for smoking cessation, balanced nutrition (CHW12), hydration monitoring, and mobility promotion through tailored exercise. Residents with medical risk factors will be regularly reviewed by GP or specialist practitioners.
Regular blood pressure checks and medication compliance monitoring form part of our routine health care monitoring.
C. Emergency Response to Suspected Stroke
All staff are instructed to treat any suspected stroke as a medical emergency. On recognition of symptoms, staff must:
- Immediately call 999.
- Stay with the resident, offering reassurance and ensuring they are safe and comfortable.
- Notify the senior member on duty and the Registered Manager.
- Contact next of kin as appropriate.
- Document the incident in the resident’s care notes and complete the appropriate incident report (see CHW24).
Emergency response protocols are covered in regular training and are rehearsed through scenario-based exercises.
D. Post-Stroke Care and Rehabilitation
Upon discharge from hospital, residents returning to {{org_field_name}} following a stroke will be re-assessed using our comprehensive care planning process. A multi-disciplinary approach will be taken, working in partnership with physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, GPs, and specialist nurses.
The care plan will focus on promoting recovery, supporting independence, and addressing any physical, emotional, or cognitive impairments. This may include:
- Assistance with eating and personal care (CHW12 and CHW40).
- Support with communication where speech is affected, including use of communication aids (CHW42).
- Psychological and emotional support.
- Ongoing physiotherapy and positioning techniques to prevent pressure damage.
Personal outcomes will be reviewed regularly in consultation with the resident and their representative, in accordance with our Person-Centred Care Policy (CHW07).
E. Emotional Support and Dignity
Experiencing a stroke can lead to emotional distress, loss of confidence, and changes in identity. Our staff will be trained to provide compassionate emotional support and promote dignity at all times (CHW08). This includes supporting residents to make decisions, express their preferences, and participate in social and daily activities where possible.
Referrals to counselling services or mental health support will be made where needed.
F. Involving Families and Advocates
Family members and advocates are key partners in post-stroke care. We will keep them fully informed, involve them in care planning, and support them to understand the stroke’s impact and prognosis. With consent, we will share rehabilitation goals and progress updates, ensuring they are part of decision-making.
G. Environmental Considerations
Where appropriate, physical adaptations will be made to the environment to accommodate mobility changes or sensory needs post-stroke. This may include installing grab rails, specialist seating, or signage to support orientation. All equipment will be risk assessed and maintained in line with CHW10 and CHW37.
H. Monitoring and Quality Improvement
Stroke-related care will be reviewed as part of our Quality of Care Review process, in line with RISCA requirements and CIW guidance​. Outcomes and incidents will be reviewed to improve practice, with learning shared during staff meetings and supervision (CHW27). Feedback from residents and families will be gathered to evaluate the effectiveness of stroke care and support continual improvement.
5. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there is a change in legislation, guidance, or in response to an incident or organisational need. Reviews will ensure alignment with the latest CIW expectations and national standards of stroke care in Wales.
Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
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