The Unexpected Side of having a Stroke: The Cost of Having a Stroke

A lot of times when people think and talk about what it would be like to have a stroke, only the obvious aspects are included in the conversation. Things like weakness, and memory issues are discussed while topics about the emotional, or financial impact aren’t. In truth there are many different facets of having a stroke that should be talked about as many stroke survivors experience them. We should include these topics in the conversion to ensure that stroke survivors aren’t blind sided. In this blog post we talk about the cost of having a stroke and how this can impact your life, as well as non-monetary value that you might lose. We also talk about funding options that are available for stroke survivors.

The cost of having a stroke is something that can be expected, but is still a bit of a shock when it becomes a reality. Even in Canada with free health care, there are costs that one does not consider. The cost of things like medication, hospital visits and procedures can be expensive, especially if you don’t have a good insurance plan. There are also things like specialists, supplements and specific recommended diets that aren’t covered by insurance. On top of that, if you are unable to work due to your stroke and its lasting impact, you no longer have a paycheck to rely on. Having a stroke can also have non-monetary implications. A stroke can cost you things like daily structure, physical function, and relationships which can change the way life was prior to having a stroke.

Although there are some things that you can not get back as a stroke survivor, there are always things you can do that may help you return to a sense of normalcy. If you are unable to work, there are funding options. Disability pay is available to stroke survivors if you are unable to work due to the lasting impacts of your stroke. However, the amount given can be difficult to live on.There is also a benefit finder that stroke survivors can use to find further funding options. If you can work either part or full time, there are employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities as well as resources that will help you find jobs suited to your needs. Other non-monetary things that your stroke has cost you can be more difficult to get back. Physiotherapy can help with motion, and attempting to have similar daily structure or at least some form of a schedule can help. Finding a new normal can often be difficult, however it gets easier with time. 

Legal and financial support | Heart and Stroke Foundation 

Province of Manitoba | fs – EIA for Persons with Disabilities 

Employability Assistance for People with Disabilities. 

Working when living with a disability – Canada.ca 

Nicole Blatta

Nicole Blatta is a 19 year old Stroke Survivor. She was drawn to the Stroke Recovery Association of Manitoba through the young stroke survivor group. Nicole is a third year university student in Asper at the University of Manitoba, working towards a degree in business with a major in marketing and a minor in entrepreneurship/small business in hopes that one day she will run her own business.