Managing Money After a Stroke
A big financial impact
The aftermath of a strokr can be expensive with medicines, assistive devices, home modifications, and caregiver costs, coupled with potential loss of income.
The lifetime cost of ischaemic strokes – which comprise over 80% of strokes and are caused by blockage of blood vessels supplying part of the brain – were estimated at US$140,481 (RM659,698).
This includes the cost of inpatient care, rehabilitation and follow-up care.
A study that looked at the cost of post-stroke outpatient care in Malaysia in 2015, found that the average total cost incurred was US$547.10 (RM2,569.18).
Of this figure, 36.6% was spent on attendant care, 25.5% on medical aids, 15.1% on travel expenses, 14.1% on medical fees and 8.5% on out-of-pocket expenses.
The main factor in the cost of post-stroke outpatient care was the severity of the stroke.
Increased costs was also associated with a haemorrhagic stroke – the other main type of stroke, which is caused by the bleeding, or haemorrhage, of a blood vessel in the brain.
Leading a safe and cost-effective life post-stroke requires a combination of self-care, medical management and lifestyle adjustments.
Here are some steps that can help:
> Follow medical advice
It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s advice on medication, rehabilitation and lifestyle modifications.
This may include taking medication as prescribed, attending rehabilitation sessions, and making changes to your diet and exercise routine.
> Manage chronic health conditions
If you have other chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes, it’s important to manage these conditions to reduce the risk of future strokes and other health complications.
> Make home modifications
Consider making modifications to your home to reduce the risk of falls and improve your safety.
This may include installing grab bars, non-slip mats and handrails.
> Use assistive devices
Assistive devices such as canes, walkers and wheelchairs, can help you maintain your mobility and independence.
> Adopt healthy habits
Adopting healthy habits such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly and getting enough sleep, can help you maintain your overall health and reduce the risk of future strokes.
> Stay socially active
Staying socially active and engaged can help reduce the risk of depression and improve your overall quality of life.
Consider joining a social group or doing volunteer work.
> Manage finances
Stroke can have a significant financial impact on the family, especially if the stroke patient is the sole breadwinner.
So it’s important to manage your finances carefully.
By following these steps and working closely with your healthcare team, you can lead a safe and cost-effective life post-stroke.
As mentioned above, no doubt, one of the biggest challenges post-stroke would be the financial impact on the patient and their dependents.
Financial burdens following a stroke may be due to medical expenses and decreased income because of the inability to work, whether it is the patient themself or a family member who has to quit their job to become a full-time caregiver to the patient.
Addressing financial needs post-stroke can be challenging, but here are some strategies that can help:
> Review your insurance coverage
Examine your insurance coverage to make sure it includes all the necessary benefits and services, such as rehabilitation and home healthcare.
Consider speaking with an insurance specialist to ensure you are getting the most out of your coverage.
> Explore disability benefits
If you are unable to work because of stroke, you may be eligible for disability benefits.
Socso provides a range of benefits for employees, including medical treatment, rehabilitation and financial assistance.
There are also many NGOs (non-governmental organisations) that offer financial assistance to stroke patients and their families, including the National Stroke Association of Malaysia (Nasam), Stroke Care Malaysia, etc.
These organisations can help with medical bills, transportation costs and other expenses related to stroke care.
> Create a budget
You and your dependents should review your daily expenses and financial commitments to see what can be adjusted to compensate for the decrease in income and increase in stroke-related expenses.
A leaner budget might have to be created for the family to follow, to ensure that you don’t go into unsustainable debt, or even bankruptcy.
What’s good for yourself
It is also important, though challenging, to develop a sense of what is good for oneself after a stroke.
Here are some methods that can help:
> Listen to your body
Pay attention to your body and how it responds to different activities and situations.
Take note of what makes you feel better or worse. and adjust your routine accordingly.
> Set realistic goals
Set achievable goals that are tailored to your abilities and interests.
This can help you build confidence and a sense of accomplishment, which can improve your overall well-being.
> Prioritise self-care
Make self-care a priority, including getting enough rest, eating a healthy diet, and engaging in physical activity, as recommended by your healthcare providers.
> Seek support
Connect with others who have experienced stroke or other health challenges.
Consider joining a support group or seeking individual therapy to help you process your emotions and develop coping skills.
> Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness practices such as meditation, yoga or deep breathing, can help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings, and develop a greater sense of inner calm and well-being.
> Experiment and adjust
Be willing to experiment with different approaches to self-care and self-discovery, and be open to adjusting your routine as needed.
By focusing on self-care, seeking support, and staying open to new experiences and perspectives, stroke patients can develop a greater sense of what is good for themselves and their overall well-being.
In a nutshell, it is not impossible for a person to regain a normal life after a stroke.
The real challenge lies in how stroke survivors can manage their post-stroke life and deal with the challenges from then on effectively.
Remember, there will always be light at the end of the tunnel for stroke survivors!
Dr Lee Tze Yan is a senior lecturer in molecular medicine at Perdana University. Matthew Teo Yong Chang is an occupational therapist specialising in stroke rehabilitation and senior lecturer at Manipal University College Malaysia. For more information, email starhealth@thestar.com.my. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and should not be considered as medical advice. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this article. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.
> Adopt healthy habits
Adopting healthy habits such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly and getting enough sleep, can help you maintain your overall health and reduce the risk of future strokes.
> Stay socially active
Staying socially active and engaged can help reduce the risk of depression and improve your overall quality of life.
Consider joining a social group or doing volunteer work.
> Manage finances
Stroke can have a significant financial impact on the family, especially if the stroke patient is the sole breadwinner.
So it’s important to manage your finances carefully.
By following these steps and working closely with your healthcare team, you can lead a safe and cost-effective life post-stroke.
Managing the financial impact
As mentioned above, no doubt, one of the biggest challenges post-stroke would be the financial impact on the patient and their dependents.
Financial burdens following a stroke may be due to medical expenses and decreased income because of the inability to work, whether it is the patient themself or a family member who has to quit their job to become a full-time caregiver to the patient.
Addressing financial needs post-stroke can be challenging, but here are some strategies that can help:
> Review your insurance coverage
Examine your insurance coverage to make sure it includes all the necessary benefits and services, such as rehabilitation and home healthcare.
Consider speaking with an insurance specialist to ensure you are getting the most out of your coverage.
> Explore disability benefits
If you are unable to work because of stroke, you may be eligible for disability benefits.
Socso provides a range of benefits for employees, including medical treatment, rehabilitation and financial assistance.
There are also many NGOs (non-governmental organisations) that offer financial assistance to stroke patients and their families, including the National Stroke Association of Malaysia (Nasam), Stroke Care Malaysia, etc.
These organisations can help with medical bills, transportation costs and other expenses related to stroke care.
> Create a budget
You and your dependents should review your daily expenses and financial commitments to see what can be adjusted to compensate for the decrease in income and increase in stroke-related expenses.
A leaner budget might have to be created for the family to follow, to ensure that you don’t go into unsustainable debt, or even bankruptcy.
What’s good for yourself
It is also important, though challenging, to develop a sense of what is good for oneself after a stroke.
Here are some methods that can help:
> Listen to your body
Pay attention to your body and how it responds to different activities and situations.
Take note of what makes you feel better or worse. and adjust your routine accordingly.
> Set realistic goals
Set achievable goals that are tailored to your abilities and interests.
This can help you build confidence and a sense of accomplishment, which can improve your overall well-being.
> Prioritise self-care
Make self-care a priority, including getting enough rest, eating a healthy diet, and engaging in physical activity, as recommended by your healthcare providers.
> Seek support
Connect with others who have experienced stroke or other health challenges.
Consider joining a support group or seeking individual therapy to help you process your emotions and develop coping skills.
> Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness practices such as meditation, yoga or deep breathing, can help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings, and develop a greater sense of inner calm and well-being.
> Experiment and adjust
Be willing to experiment with different approaches to self-care and self-discovery, and be open to adjusting your routine as needed.
By focusing on self-care, seeking support, and staying open to new experiences and perspectives, stroke patients can develop a greater sense of what is good for themselves and their overall well-being.
In a nutshell, it is not impossible for a person to regain a normal life after a stroke.
The real challenge lies in how stroke survivors can manage their post-stroke life and deal with the challenges from then on effectively.
Remember, there will always be light at the end of the tunnel for stroke survivors!
Dr Lee Tze Yan is a senior lecturer in molecular medicine at Perdana University. Matthew Teo Yong Chang is an occupational therapist specialising in stroke rehabilitation and senior lecturer at Manipal University College Malaysia. For more information, email starhealth@thestar.com.my. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and should not be considered as medical advice. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this article. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.
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