You have identified the financial benefits that Rosemary might be eligible for, but what other benefits are there for Rosemary going back to work?
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Social and Cultural | Work is central to our culture, providing social status, social contact, social networks, inclusion and acceptance. For many adults, work is their main form of social contact. |
| Financial | Paid work provides a means to support self and family. Studies have shown that half of young stroke survivors experience a substantial drop in income and therefore it is important to address the issue of work when appropriate. |
| Roles and Identity | Work provides a sense of identity, a clear role and gives routine and structure to daily life. A change in role from bread-winner to financial dependent has a negative impact on an individual’s sense of self. Studies have demonstrated that returning to work after stroke was seen as the ultimate point of recovery, regaining control and giving a sense of achievement and productivity. |
| Health and Well-being | The role of work in helping people maintain their physical and emotional well-being is widely recognised and research has shown that lack of work has a negative impact on health and well-being. Work provides opportunities for physical and mental activity, to maintain and develop skills, improved physical and mental health and prevention of further ill-health. |
Work can be defined as ‘A valued activity that uses a person’s skills and facilitates social inclusion’. Work can therefore take many forms and may be: formal, informal or carried out in private and may also be paid or unpaid. Supporting someone to return to work may not mean to full time, paid employment and a range of options to participate in meaningful activity which makes use of the person’s skills and allows them to feel socially included can be explored. You can help Rosemary by reassuring her of her capability, and that returning to work will be good for her, at the right time and with the right support.
Page last reviewed: 08 Apr 2021
