How do stroke survivors with communication difficulties manage life after stroke in the first year? A qualitative study.

Stroke survivors and their family members develop personally meaningful and context-specific strategies to adjust to and manage life after stroke. Future interventions should recognize, support and build upon the active work already undertaken by stroke survivors with communication difficulties and their families. Further support before and around the point of discharge from community services may be needed to help build confidence and skills to manage in the longer term. The benefit of a supported self-management approach for stroke survivors with communication difficulties should be further investigated.