[Living after a stroke]

After a stroke, patients and their proxies require help in coping with various changes. The transition from hospital to home needs to be organized with the necessary adaptations and material or human aids. Ambulatory rehabilitation such as physiotherapy or speech therapy is frequently provided for several months, but is generally not required on the long term. Self-management programs, adapted sport and leisure activities are valuable. Patients' proxies and families need to be supported, and marital and sexual issues need to be addressed. Support programs exist to enhance leisure and social participation, and to facilitate outdoor mobility. When return to work is possible, patients need be counseled according to their wishes and capacities, and to be addressed to appropriate organizations.