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Purpose: The aim of this study is to examine how people suffering from a stroke experience and manage every day life activities after rehabilitation in a hospital. Introduction: Stroke is one of the main causes of death and disabilities in Europe. Research shows that it causes cognitive and physical disabilities, and has a substantial effect on social participation, quality of life and return to work. The rehabilitation process often takes time, and everyday life is an important arena in this process to perform activities and enhance self-development. Method: The study was conducted based on qualitative interviews with six informants. Four men and two women between the age of 30 and 62 participated in the study 5 to 12 months after their homecoming from hospital rehabilitation. The informants had different degrees of cognitive and physical disabilities after their injury. Further, they all live at home, either alone or with family. Results: The study shows that life after a stroke changes dramatically and the complexity of everyday life and difficulties associated with it are emphasized. Some of the most significant changes are shown in loss of activity, mostly concerning leisure activities. Further, their ability and capacity to perform activities are diminished and priorities restructured. Some of them report that their life is on hold, and that planning the future is more difficult than before. At the time of the interview the patients are at the beginning of the rehabilitation process. Despite its demanding and long nature, the informants still express hopes for the future. They describe a life with good times and moments, progress, coping experiences, social relationships and feelings of being useful to their families and loved ones. They are solution-oriented and emphasize a focus on making the best of their current life situation. This finding is contrary to previous studies on the topic, which primarily focus on the negative aspects related to a stroke. Hence, the significant and negative consequences previously described in the literature are somewhat refuted. Conclusion: The study concludes that a stroke and its aftermath provide challenges to the individual’s experience of coping, dignity, self-esteem and everyday life. On the contrary, they also experience feelings of optimism and expectations of a normal life and return to work. The process is characterized as fluctuating between positive and negative feelings, with a reconciliation of their situation and a desire to get back to normal and their lives as they were before the stroke. Although satisfied with their treatment, it is recommended that the rehabilitation institutions to a larger extent adjust their services to individual needs. Especially, meeting the needs for younger stroke patients to regain an active lifestyle and social participation and include leisure activities in the rehabilitation. Further investigation on strokes and the impact they have on daily lives is recommended, particularly the transition process between institutional rehabilitation and rehabilitation at home.

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