Hi, my name is Hammy57!

Hammy57

hello I am new to this Community and I am looking for a friends who can relate to my situation. I used to be extremely independent and lived a full life with two jobs and I’m cycle and kept myself fit every day until I develop a brain condition which caused multiple strokes and left me with several disabilities. I am now housebound and struggling to cope with the huge changes to my life.

Rosie_Scope

Hello @Hammy57, welcome to the community.

Sorry to hear you're struggling to cope with what's happened to you, it's a huge deal when your life changes like that and I totally understand how difficult it can be to adjust. We've got lots of lovely members who have been through similar struggles so I hope the community can be a place of support and friendship for you 😊

Have you got any close friends or family supporting you at home?

Hammy57

I live on my own. The partner I had at the time of my strokes really struggled with the new Me. And left me. I have an adult son who has autism and mental health problems so he has really struggled . His dad has had to take her over his care as I can’t do it anymore and he has also been helping me. With my evening meal, as I cannot cook any more. The strokes left me with really bad vision so I have to use a microphone to text and email so I apologise if there are any spelling mistakes🙄

Jimm_Scope

Hi @Hammy57, have you spoken to your Local Authority at all about a needs assessment for you? They could see about what they can do to help you at home.

Hammy57

yes my local authority suggested I go to the stroke Association, but it is held on set days and I have nobody to take me on the specific days although I did go on one occasion with a family member but it was not suitable for me as I seem to have a lot more disabilities than the other people who were there and they played board games which I could not see and because my brain does not work properly I could not understand what was going on so came away feeling worse than I did before.

I can’t stand being stuck in the house 24 hours a day seven days a week, but I cannot go out on my own as I am not safe

WhatThe

Hi Hammy, I'm very sad to hear what has happened to you and who wouldn't struggle to cope with those massive changes? I'm glad you found the Scope forum.

Jimm is right that your local authority should assess your needs in your home as soon as possible and provide a care package. Other members will tell you more about this.

Do you know the charity Headway? Was that where you went?

Headway supports the whole family dealing with brain injury through information, telephone support, transport, rehabilitation and respite care for carers.