Stroke is not limited to the elderly.

Alarmingly, around 18 young Australians suffer from strokes every day, and these incidents can be life-altering.

Brooke Parsons, who experienced a stroke at just 13 years of age, is a passionate advocate for young stroke survivors, drawing on her lived experience to guide her work as a consumer consultant. In her role with Bloom Healthcare, Brooke collaborates to raise awareness around stroke in young people, ensuring that the services and supports Bloom offers through the NDIS meet the specific needs of young survivors. Her personal insights help inform tailored care strategies that empower individuals in their recovery journey, contributing to Bloom’s mission of client-focused, evidence-based care.

The Growing Issue of Stroke in Young Australians

Strokes in people under 45 are often unexpected, and the healthcare system is not always prepared for the unique challenges that young survivors face.

These individuals often deal with delayed diagnosis, as stroke symptoms in the young—like dizziness, slurred speech, or weakness—are sometimes dismissed as less serious conditions.

This can lead to delays in treatment, which are crucial for limiting long-term damage. Additionally, younger survivors face different hurdles during recovery, including returning to school, work, or balancing personal relationships. Rehabilitation programs need to be tailored to these specific needs, covering physical recovery, cognitive rehabilitation, and psychological support.

Common risk factors for young people include congenital heart conditions, lifestyle factors like smoking, and genetic predispositions. Early diagnosis and long-term, individualised care are essential for young survivors to reclaim their lives post-stroke.

Advocacy for Change

Advocacy plays a crucial role in raising awareness and pushing for improvements in care and support for young stroke survivors. Organisations like the Stroke Foundation, the Young Stroke Service and Bloom Healthcare are at the forefront of this movement, but individual voices—like Brooke Parsons—are also crucial.

Brooke’s personal journey drives her advocacy work, ensuring that the perspectives of young survivors are heard in healthcare discussions.

To better understand her role, we spoke with Brooke about her personal journey and the challenges young stroke survivors face:

Q: You had a stroke at 13, which is incredibly young. How has that experience shaped your work as an advocate today?

Brooke Parsons: “My stroke was life-changing. I was navigating adolescence and suddenly had to deal with this massive health issue. It made me realise how unprepared the system was for young people like me, and that’s why I’m passionate about ensuring young survivors are heard.”

Q: What are some of the unique challenges young stroke survivors face that you think people might not realise?

Brooke Parsons: “We have different concerns. Many older people are thinking about retirement, but young people are focused on school, careers, and relationships. Plus, the emotional toll can be heavy—you’re trying to figure out who you are, and a stroke changes everything.”

Q: How do you see your work impacting the care that young stroke survivors receive?

Brooke Parsons: “I hope to ensure that survivors don’t feel sidelined. By advocating for better resources, tailored rehabilitation, and greater awareness, we can create a future where young stroke survivors get the right support, at the right time.”

The Importance of Tailored Recovery and Support

Recovery for young stroke survivors is not a one-size-fits-all process. Services like those offered by Bloom Healthcare provide essential rehabilitation programs focusing on regaining independence, cognitive therapy, and return-to-work support.

Additionally, access to the NDIS can be life-changing for young people navigating post-stroke life, providing ongoing support for long-term recovery and integration into society.

Strokes in young people demand more attention and tailored support, as their needs often differ significantly from older survivors.

Advocates like Brooke Parsons, who have lived through the experience, are crucial in driving change and ensuring that younger survivors receive the appropriate care and attention they deserve. Brooke’s work with Bloom Healthcare is vital in shaping a more inclusive and responsive healthcare system for young stroke survivors.