Making breakfast count

Breakfast—an important part of anyone’s daily routine, but after a life-changing event such as a stroke, that can be difficult. On our Nell Gwynne Ward at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, Breakfast Group provides a good social occasion, supports recovery, and helps assessment for patients.

Breakfast Group uses adaptable and adjustable furniture and cutlery to promote independence. It allows patients, such as Bahman (pictured), the chance at recovery outside of a clinical perspective and prepares them for life at home. Bahman suffered from weakness in his hand following his stroke and said that ‘Breakfast Group is good—it has helped my hand and has allowed my confidence to grow’.

Occupational therapists (OT) organise Breakfast Group twice a week on the ward. Each OT nominates one or two suitable patients to attend each event. Patients who attend usually have been admitted following a stroke, but occasionally include neurology and medical patients.

The group helps patients gain independence and confidence in everyday tasks such as making hot drinks and meal preparation whilst recovering. Patients usually attend breakfast group with rehabilitation goals or for assessment purposes—mostly aimed at cognition, visual field or upper limb issues post-stroke. However, one of the main benefits of the group is for patients to socialise and meet others who are in a similar situation to them, in an informal setting, away from their beds, which can help lift a patient’s mood and morale.