Updated April 28, 2015.

Working at a job is one of the cornerstones of independence for many adults. In addition to providing an income, work often provides a sense of self worth and an opportunity to interact with colleagues on a regular basis. The prospect of losing any of these benefits can be tough for a recovering stroke patient to cope with. Whether or not to return to work, and in what capacity, is a question that many stroke survivors with mild to moderate disability must face.

Lack of work income can have a significant practical impact a recovering stroke patient and his or her family. Sometimes, disability benefits or retirement benefits can help alleviate some of the financial burden associated with not working. 

Even when finances are not a major issue for recovering stroke patients, concerns about the ability to return to work can be distressing. For some stroke survivors who may be already retired by the time they experience a stroke, work is not always a formal employment arrangement, but might consist of volunteer activities or non-profit leadership roles. Whether in a paid job or a volunteer position, the ability to go back to work often symbolizes independence, capability and a sense of pride. The routine schedule associated with employment and volunteer obligations often serve to fill time in a way that can combat depression. The challenges of solving problems and completing assignments that require competence or experience may fill a need for intellectual stimulation.

Validation in the form of praise or financial compensation allows for a quantitative external measure of self worth. Appreciation from subordinates, supervisors and customers may confirm that a job has been useful to others, highlighting one’s role within the larger society. And the frequent interactions with coworkers while cooperating on group projects and enjoying water cooler exchanges provides needed social interaction for introverts and extroverts alike.

It is not unusual for stroke survivors to return to work with some modifications in responsibility, work hours or expectations. Some stroke survivors suffer from vision loss that can inhibit the ability to fully carry out some job duties. Weakness may interfere with some job obligations or slow them down. Other less visible consequences of stroke may be more difficult to define to coworkers, customers, colleagues and supervisors. Fatigue, memory difficulties, trouble with concentration and coordination problems may play a more subtle effect on abilities. Mood changes after a stroke, such as depression and anxiety can interfere with the ability to meet expectations at work. Distracting or painful symptoms such as numbness, tingling or headaches may make it difficult to fully concentrate on work. Some other practical post-stroke issues such as transportation limitations or rehabilitation appointments may interfere with the work schedule.

These issues can pose a challenge for someone who is recovering from a stroke and can necessitate some compromises at work. It is useful to discuss the recovery process with key people at work and to make plans to safely and gradually resume responsibilities. For some stroke survivors, modifications to the work environment after a stroke may actually contribute to mood changes such as depression. It can be difficult to admit that there may be limitations, particularly if key coworkers are also competitors. Of course, a recovering stroke survivor has the right to personal privacy about health matters. So it is wise to balance communication at work with the privilege of privacy and the responsibility of honesty spelling out expectations.

Many stroke survivors recover and are able to return to work. Sometimes, recovery from a stroke can allow someone to gain new insight and balance, contributing a more balanced outlook to the work environment.