11/06/2025
At age 41, Janine did not expect to become a carer for her husband.
Muhammed, who goes by Joel, had a life-changing stroke in September 2022, leaving him initially unable to speak, eat or walk.
Both nurses by profession, it has been incredibly hard for Janine to take on the role of Joel’s carer and for Joel to be in the position of needing care.
‘I still see myself as a carer, not in the physical sense, more mentally.’
Joel’s stroke caused him to become extremely anxious and he needed a lot of support. This was a big part of caring for Joel that was not always understood.
‘My mum was so supportive after Joel’s stroke, but she couldn’t understand his anxiety. We asked her to help Joel walk the kids to school, yet she would stay behind him and encourage him to walk in front by himself.’
Caring for Joel in this way had a massive impact on Janine’s social life.
'Before the stroke, I used to go out with my friends. After the stroke, I was afraid to leave him on his own, and he wouldn’t want to be left on his own.'
Janine took 8 months off work to look after Joel, 6 months of carers leave and 2 months of annual leave.
Returning to work was full of mixed emotions for Janine. She felt anxious about leaving Joel but she was excited to see her colleagues again.
‘I was ready to speak with my colleagues again socially, and not just be a carer.'
Joel is the reason I have a paediatric nursing career. After college, I became a nursery nurse for five years, and then he encouraged me to do my Access to Nursing qualification.’
The family have come a long way since Joel's stroke and Joel has now regained a lot of his independence.
Supporting her husband through his stroke has given Janine a new perspective on life.
'The stroke has made me reflect on how life is too short. We never know when we are going to take our last breath.'
If you're caring for a stroke survivor, you do not have to face it alone. Visit https://bit.ly/45gXDBi to find out more about the support we offer.
