For further information on the incidence of stroke survivors returning to work, see ‘Additional Information’ box below.
What you should do
Talk to Rosemary about her job
Talking to Rosemary about her job will help you gain insight into what she needs to be able to do to return to work and may help Rosemary consider her situation realistically.
Reassure her
Many people will return to work after stroke and there are many factors which might influence this. A number of services exist to support people to do so. You will learn more about these factors and services as you progress through the module.
Suggest she contact her employer
Employers are required by law to do what they can to support a disabled employee at work, but can only do so if you the employee keeps them informed. Generally, the sooner employee and employer engage in this process, the sooner the correct support can be put in place. You will learn more about the legislation which supports disabled people return to work as you progress through the module.
Suggest she speak to her husband about her concerns
Support from family and friends is likely to have a positive influence on returning to work.
Pass the information to someone who can help
Members of the hospital rehabilitation team should be able to provide some support in the initial stages of return to work planning. If you are unsure who to approach, you could discuss this at the ward meeting or case conference.
Talk to Rosemary about benefits
A range of benefits exist to support people who have a disability while they are off work, returning to work and in work. Further information can be found at Direct.gov.uk: Financial Support.
Arrange a benefits check
The hospital social worker may be able to help with applying for benefits or Rosemary could contact the benefits agency herself. The Citizens Advice Bureau may also be able to advise. The hospital social worker may be able to help with applying for benefits or Rosemary could contact the benefits agency herself. The Citizens Advice Bureau may also be able to advise.
Ask Rosemary to talk to her Rehab Team about returning to work
This may help Rosemary to feel more in control of her rehabilitation and the decisions involved.
What you should NOT do
Do nothing, it’s not your job
Whilst it may not be part of your role to support Rosemary in her return to work, you can help start the process by bringing it to the attention of someone who can.
Tell Rosemary she won’t be able to work again
Many people return to work after stroke and there are many factors which influence this. A number of services exist to support people to do so. You will learn more about these factors and services as you progress through the module.
Tell Rosemary she can go back to work as soon as she feels ready
Rosemary may return to work before it is safe/practical to do so. This may put her and others at risk and therefore appropriate support should be put in place.
Contact her employer immediately
Contacting Rosemary’s employer may breach her confidentiality and create an unrealistic expectation about the help you can give both her and her employer. At this stage it is advisable for Rosemary to make the initial contact with her employer so that they can begin the process of supporting her in her return to work.
Following her discussion with you, Rosemary talks to her husband and they decide that he will contact her employer to let them know that she will be coming home from hospital soon. She realises that she is not ready to go back to work yet, but wants her employer to know that she hopes to to do so in the future. In the meantime, the hospital social worker helps Rosemary to apply for the benefits she is entitled to.
Page last reviewed: 08 Apr 2021
