If you have had a stroke and it has had a severe impact, you might not be able to return to where you were living. In some cases, you may be able to return home temporarily, but with restrictions, whilst alternative arrangements are made. Your previous home may not be able to accommodate the equipment needed to support you such as a hospital bed, hoist or wheelchair. You may not be able to get out of your home safely due to steps, especially if living in an upper floor flat without a lift.

In many cases, a referral to adapt the home environment will have been made, either via the council or via a private arrangement with a builder. A suitable adaptation may not be identified and is not always possible for several reasons which will be explained by the housing /adaptations team or Surveyor. 

You can speak to your Occupational therapist in hospital or whilst you are receiving support from the Community Stroke Team or Community Rehabilitation Service for advice.  Occupational Therapists also work for Councils in the Adaptations and Housing departments.

What Options Do I have? 

Several options are available to you in this situation:

  • A temporary stay or permanent placement in a care home.
  • A temporary stay with a friend or relative.
  • A temporary stay in council accommodation.
  • Apply for permanent rehousing via your local council on medical (or other) grounds.
  • Apply for sheltered accommodation or ‘Extra Care’ housing.
  • Sell your home and move privately to a more suitable house. 
  • Remain in existing accommodation with restrictions.

For rehousing advice or for a social care assessment with a view to a care home placement, contact your local Council, contact details are listed as below.

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The Stroke Association’s leaflet on Accommodation After Stroke offers practical tips and information to help you if you need to make changes to your home or find alternative accommodation after a stroke. It provides information on assessments of your needs and help in your own home. You will also find information on moving to a care home, paying for care and NHS continuing healthcare that some people with very serious health needs may qualify for. Stroke Association - Accommodation after Stroke guide.

Other Useful Contacts

You can contact your local council for more information and support on housing in your local area.

  • Bradford Council - Tel – 01274 432111
    Customer Service Centre: Britania House, Hall Ings, Bradford, BD1 1HX
    Keighley Town Hall, Bow Street, Keighley, BD21 3PA
     
  • Calderdale Council  - Tel – 01422 392460 (Housing) or 01422 288001 (Anything else).  Customer First Halifax, 19 Horton Street, Halifax,  Calderdale, HX1 1QE
     
  • Harrogate (North Yorkshire Council) - Tel – 0300 131 2131
    Civic Centre, St Lukes Avenue, Harrogate, HG1 2AE. 
    By post: North Yorkshire Council (Harrogate area), PO Box 787, Harrogate, HG1 9RW
     
  • Kirklees Council - Tel– Gateway to Care 01484 414933
    Huddersfield Customer Service Centre, Civic centre, 3 High Street, Huddersfield, HD1 2TG
     
  • Leeds City Council - Tel – 0113 2224412 (Housing) 0800 18840000 or 0113 3760410 or 0113 2224444 (Anything else). Leeds City Centre Hub, Merrion House, Woodhouse lane, Leeds, LS2 8LX
     
  • Wakefield Council -  Tel – 0345 8506506 (General Enquiries). Wakefield One, Burton Street, Wakefield, WF1 2EB

If you are already under the care of your local community stroke team, you can ask them more about this topic at your next visit.

All services differ, so please contact your local health and social services for appropriate and up to date information.