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{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Stroke Awareness, Prevention, and Care Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that {{org_field_name}} effectively raises awareness, prevents, and provides comprehensive care for individuals at risk of or recovering from a stroke. This policy aligns with the latest Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulations and aims to ensure that our service users receive the highest standards of care and support. It sets out the procedures for recognising stroke symptoms, implementing preventative measures, managing emergency responses, and ensuring effective rehabilitation and long-term support.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all staff, including care workers, nurses, support staff, and management within {{org_field_name}}. It is also applicable to service users at risk of stroke, those recovering from a stroke, and their families. This policy ensures that all service users receive person-centred care tailored to their specific needs, promoting independence and improving quality of life.

3. Stroke Awareness and Recognition

3.1 Staff Training and Education

All staff undergo comprehensive training on stroke awareness, recognising early warning signs, and understanding the risk factors associated with strokes. Training includes the FAST (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) methodology, which is widely recommended for early stroke detection. Staff are required to complete refresher training annually to stay updated on best practices and new guidelines.

3.2 Service User and Family Education

We provide service users and their families with information on stroke symptoms, causes, and prevention strategies. Regular educational sessions and written materials ensure they understand lifestyle modifications that can reduce the risk of strokes, including diet, exercise, and medication adherence.

4. Stroke Prevention Measures

4.1 Health Assessments and Risk Identification

Upon admission and at regular intervals, all service users undergo a thorough health assessment to determine their risk of stroke. This includes checking for high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, and other contributing factors. Individualised prevention plans are developed based on these assessments.

4.2 Lifestyle Interventions

We promote healthy living through:

• Nutritional support: Providing a balanced diet with reduced salt, saturated fats, and processed foods.
• Physical activity programmes: Encouraging service users to participate in exercises suited to their mobility and ability levels.
• Smoking cessation support: Offering access to resources and support groups for those who wish to quit smoking.
• Alcohol reduction strategies: Educating service users on safe alcohol consumption and its impact on stroke risk.

4.3 Medication Management

For service users with conditions that increase stroke risk (e.g., hypertension, atrial fibrillation), we ensure proper medication management. Staff monitor adherence, report side effects, and liaise with healthcare professionals to ensure appropriate treatments.

5. Emergency Stroke Response and Immediate Care

5.1 Recognising a Stroke

Staff are trained to recognise signs of stroke using the FAST method and other indicators such as sudden confusion, loss of balance, or severe headache. Any suspected stroke is treated as a medical emergency.

5.2 Emergency Protocols

• Staff immediately call 999 and provide the dispatcher with relevant details.
• Service users are placed in a comfortable position while ensuring airway and circulation are maintained.
• The time of symptom onset is recorded, as it is crucial for treatment decisions (e.g., administration of clot-busting medication).
• Families are informed immediately while maintaining a calm environment for the service user.

5.3 Post-Stroke Hospital Liaison

We coordinate with hospitals to ensure seamless transfer and admission. Staff communicate essential medical history and medication details to the attending clinicians. Once the service user is stabilised, we work closely with the hospital’s discharge team to prepare for their return to supported living care.

6. Stroke Rehabilitation and Ongoing Care

6.1 Person-Centred Rehabilitation Plans

Each stroke survivor has a tailored rehabilitation plan that may include:

• Physiotherapy: To improve strength, balance, and mobility.
• Speech and Language Therapy: For service users with communication or swallowing difficulties.
• Occupational Therapy: To regain independence in daily living activities such as dressing, eating, and bathing.
• Psychological Support: Managing emotional well-being and reducing the risk of post-stroke depression.

6.2 Multi-Disciplinary Team Collaboration

We work closely with NHS specialists, GPs, physiotherapists, speech therapists, and dietitians to ensure holistic rehabilitation. Regular care plan reviews ensure that support remains relevant to the service user’s evolving needs.

6.3 Adaptive Living Arrangements

Our supported living environment is modified to accommodate stroke survivors with mobility challenges. This includes:

• Installing handrails and grab bars in key areas.
• Providing mobility aids such as wheelchairs, walking frames, and stair lifts.
• Implementing personalised care routines that respect the service user’s pace and ability.

7. Monitoring, Review, and Quality Assurance

7.1 Regular Health Monitoring

Service users recovering from a stroke receive ongoing monitoring, including blood pressure checks, medication reviews, and screening for complications such as deep vein thrombosis or recurrent strokes.

7.2 Incident Reporting and Learning

All stroke-related incidents are recorded and reviewed to identify areas for improvement. Staff are encouraged to reflect on their response to stroke events and suggest enhancements to emergency protocols.

7.3 Feedback from Service Users and Families

We actively seek feedback from service users and their families regarding stroke care services. Regular satisfaction surveys and one-on-one discussions inform service improvements and reinforce person-centred care.

8. Related Policies

This policy should be read in conjunction with:

• SL02 – Safe Care and Treatment Policy
• SL07 – Person-Centred Care Policy
• SL13 – Medication Management and Administration Policy
• SL19 – Emergency Response and First Aid Policy
• SL21 – Nutrition and Hydration Policy
• SL25 – Infection Prevention and Control Policy

9. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if changes in CQC regulations, best practices, or service needs arise.

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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}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.