Stroke is one of the leading causes of disability and has a significant impact on the quality of life of individuals and their families. Successful recovery after stroke is not based solely on medical rehabilitation but requires a comprehensive biopsychosocial approach, in which social work plays an important role. The aim of this master's thesis was to explore the role of social work in the rehabilitation of people after stroke at URI Soča and to compare the system of support in Slovenia with good practices in the Netherlands.
The research is based on a qualitative approach. Empirical data were collected through semi-structured interviews with social workers from URI Soča, a social worker from the Netherlands, and two individuals who had experienced a stroke. The analysis showed that social workers play an important connecting, advocacy, coordinating, and psychosocial support role within the rehabilitation process. The participants identified social workers as a significant source of support in coping with the consequences of stroke and preparing for the transition back to their home environment.
The findings indicate that successful stroke rehabilitation cannot be understood solely as a medical process, but rather as a long-term biopsychosocial process of rebuilding everyday life. Therefore, ensuring comprehensive support requires strengthening continuity of care after discharge, developing community-based forms of rehabilitation, improving cooperation between different systems, and systematically strengthening the role of social work within healthcare.
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