Frequently Asked Questions

If you were identified as needing a wheelchair in hospital, one would normally be ordered for you from Wheelchair Services by the ward therapy team, or by your community based therapist. If you have a wheelchair and it needs servicing or you no longer require it, please contact Wheelchair services on 01274 322555.

If you need to hire one for short term use, wheelchairs can be hired from several places in Bradford:

• Equality Together – Equipment Hire
• British Red Cross – Hire or rent a wheelchair

You must not drive for 1 month following a stroke. You should always get individual advice from your doctor about your stroke and any other health conditions that affect your driving.

Here are some links to general information on driving following a stroke:

• Stroke Association – Driving after a stroke
• GOV.UK – Standards for drivers who have had a stroke or transient ischaemic attack
• William Merritt – Driver assessments

Going back to work following a stroke can be a big step, and planning ahead can help you through the process. The Stroke Association guide to work and stroke has tips on planning for your return and getting the support you need at work. It also provides advice for anyone who has a disability or health problem after a stroke and needs tips on managing at work.

AccessAble will give you the detailed information you need to work out if a place is going to be accessible to you.

If you or your family member has limited mobility and need equipment to help them to either get on the toilet or to change continence pads, Changing Places provides details of accessible toilet facilities nationally.

Adult social care (Bradford Council) is about supporting adults of all ages, disabilities and backgrounds to live happy and fulfilling lives.

A health and social care assessment can be carried out by social services to find out what help and support you need – like healthcare, equipment, help in your home or support in different care settings.

For self referral, contact ‘single point of access’ on 01274 435400. For a care assessment, support and adaptations visit Able4Life Bradford.

Following a cardioprotective diet is one of the most important lifestyle changes you can make to prevent or treat cardiovascular disease – a condition which often leads to heart attacks and strokes.

Here is a link to the Dietetic information within the Cardiac Rehabilitation digital information site which has information that is also relevant for stroke.

Dietitians can provide tailored advice to you. See Healthy eating and stroke (Stroke Association) for some general information on eating well after a stroke or TIA.

Equality Together is a local user-led organisation for disabled people, their carers and families. They can offer advice about:

• Welfare Benefits (benefit checks, applications and challenging a decision)
• Access to Social Care
• Housing issues
• Motability Scheme
• Accessible transport
• Blue Badges
• Travel Cards / Passes

For more information visit Stroke Association – Benefits and financial assistance.

Stroke can be a life changing event for the families of stroke survivors too. If you are in a caring role for someone following a stroke these resources may be of use to you:

• Stroke Association – A carer’s guide to stroke
• Stroke Association – Caring for a stroke survivor
• Stroke4Carers
• Carers’ Resource

Contact Bradford and Airedale Community Equipment Service (BACES) on 01274 435260 to arrange collection of any unwanted hospital equipment. There should be a label with BACES details on the item to be returned.

Facebook Group Different Strokes is a charity support group for stroke survivors.

Stroke Association has useful information on stroke support groups.

Please see Bradford District and Craven Talking Therapies (formally called My Wellbeing College/IAPT)

• Phone: 01274 221234
• Email: talkingtherapiesadmin@bdct.nhs.uk

If you find yourself in mental health crisis or requiring urgent mental health support, contact First Response – crisis service on 0800 952 1181, 24 hours a day, seven days a week