
If you're supporting someone who has had a stroke, it's important to know that recovery can look different for everyone. It can take days, weeks, months, or even years, and may involve life changes such as adapting your home or taking time off work. The road to recovery depends on the individual and the severity of their stroke, but there are many ways you can help.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Recovery time | Differs for everyone; can take days, weeks, months or years |
Risk of another stroke | High |
Treatment | Emergency care, medication, surgery, rehabilitation |
Rehabilitation | Physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, telerehabilitation |
Long-term effects | Physical symptoms (weakness, paralysis), cognitive symptoms (memory problems), emotional symptoms (depression), trouble swallowing, fatigue, insomnia |
Recovery goals | Performing daily tasks, work-related skills, hobbies |
Spontaneous recovery | Brain finds new ways to perform tasks, leading to sudden return of skills |
Setbacks | Pneumonia, heart attack, second stroke |
Support | Family, friends, support groups, helplines, local groups |
What You'll Learn
- Monitor their mental health and seek professional support if they are struggling with their emotions
- Help them with their rehabilitation exercises and activities, which can be difficult but will aid progress
- Make sure they are taking their medication as prescribed
- Be aware of the signs of a stroke and call 9-1-1 if you notice any
- Help them adapt their home to make it easier to move around
Monitor their mental health and seek professional support if they are struggling with their emotions
Signs to look out for
A stroke can have serious emotional impacts on survivors. They may experience depression, impulsivity, and trouble controlling or expressing their emotions. Post-stroke depression is common, with 30-50% of stroke survivors experiencing it in the early or later phases of recovery.
Seeking professional support
If the person you are caring for is struggling with their emotions, it is important to consult a healthcare provider to develop a plan of action. Rehabilitation psychologists and neuropsychologists can screen for emotional challenges and create a plan to improve cognitive function and build resilience.
Therapy
Therapy can help the person you are caring for to adjust to life after a stroke. Joining a patient support group can also help them to cope with the emotional fallout of a stroke.
Medication
In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help with depression or other mental health conditions following a stroke.
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Help them with their rehabilitation exercises and activities, which can be difficult but will aid progress
Rehabilitation exercises and activities are a crucial part of stroke recovery. They can be challenging, but they are essential to aid progress and restore function. Here are some ways to help someone with their rehabilitation:
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy helps individuals relearn movement and coordination skills lost due to the stroke. It is important to work with a physical therapist to develop a customised exercise routine tailored to the individual's specific needs and limitations. Exercises should focus on strengthening the legs and improving range of motion. For example, leg exercises such as walking or lifting the front part of the foot can aid in mobility and prevent foot drop, a common issue after a stroke. Additionally, consider using assistive devices such as braces or Ankle-Foot Orthoses (AFO) to enhance rehabilitation and provide support during movement.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy focuses on improving daily activities that may have been impacted by the stroke, such as eating, drinking, dressing, bathing, and writing. This type of therapy helps individuals regain independence and adapt to any necessary lifestyle changes. It is important to involve a professional occupational therapist who can guide the individual through these activities and make the necessary adjustments.
Speech Therapy
Speech therapy is crucial for individuals who have difficulty speaking or understanding speech after a stroke. A speech-language pathologist can provide support and guidance to improve communication skills. Additionally, individuals with swallowing difficulties due to stroke may benefit from speech therapy, as it can help with the coordination and strength required for safe swallowing.
Cognitive Rehabilitation
Cognitive rehabilitation aims to improve memory, concentration, thinking, and mood. It can include a range of activities, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to address anxiety, depression, and tiredness. This type of therapy can also help individuals cope with the emotional effects of a stroke, such as changes in emotional response, PseudoBulbar Affect (PBA), depression, or anxiety.
Support and Motivation
Encourage the individual to stay motivated throughout their rehabilitation journey. Set specific and meaningful goals with the help of a therapist, doctor, or friend, and incorporate sentimental items into daily routines to provide motivation and a sense of connection. Involving family and friends in the recovery process can also provide valuable support and help keep the individual motivated.
Remember, recovery from a stroke is a unique process for everyone, and setbacks may occur. It is important to be patient, consistent, and adaptable throughout the rehabilitation journey.
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Make sure they are taking their medication as prescribed
Medication adherence is a crucial aspect of stroke recovery. As a caregiver, you play a vital role in ensuring that your loved one takes their prescribed medication correctly and consistently. Here are some detailed instructions to help you with this important task:
Firstly, it is important to understand the prescribed medication regimen. Make sure you know the names, dosages, and directions for each medication. Be aware of any special instructions, such as whether the medication should be taken with food or at a specific time of day. You should also be informed of any potential side effects and interactions with other medications or foods. This knowledge will enable you to effectively support your loved one's medication routine.
Next, establish a daily routine that prioritises medication adherence. Develop a schedule that aligns with the prescribed medication timings. If your loved one is taking multiple medications with different dosage frequencies, create a clear timetable that outlines when each medication should be taken. You can use medication organisers or pillboxes that are labelled with the days of the week and different times of the day to help your loved one visualise and remember their medication schedule.
Additionally, incorporate reminders into your daily routine. Set alarms or use mobile apps that provide notifications to ensure medication is taken on time. You can also use visual cues, such as placing the medication in a prominent location where it can be easily seen, or pairing the medication routine with an existing daily habit, such as mealtimes or bedtime. By creating a structured routine, you increase the likelihood of medication adherence.
It is also important to monitor medication supply and refills. Keep track of how many pills or doses are left in the medication package, and arrange for refills before they run out. Stay in communication with the healthcare provider or pharmacist to ensure that prescriptions are up to date and that there are no disruptions in medication supply. This proactive approach ensures that your loved one has uninterrupted access to their medication.
Finally, be mindful of any challenges or side effects that may impact medication adherence. Some individuals may experience difficulty swallowing, forgetfulness, or other issues that hinder their ability to take medication as directed. If such challenges arise, discuss them with the healthcare provider, who may suggest alternative medications or dosage forms that are easier for your loved one to manage. By addressing these challenges, you can improve medication adherence and ultimately support their recovery journey.
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Be aware of the signs of a stroke and call 9-1-1 if you notice any
Strokes are always an emergency situation. Knowing how to identify a stroke and calling 9-1-1 if you notice any signs are crucial steps in helping someone recover from a stroke. Immediate treatment can be life-saving and significantly impact the chances of full recovery. Here are the signs to watch out for:
- Face: Ask the person to smile and observe if one side of the face droops.
- Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Observe if one arm drifts downward.
- Speech: Check if the person is having trouble speaking or is slurring their words.
If you notice any of these signs, don't hesitate to call 9-1-1 right away. The faster the person receives medical attention, the better their chances of recovery. Remember, time is critical when dealing with a stroke, and your quick actions can make a huge difference in the person's recovery journey.
Additionally, it is important to be aware that the risk of a second stroke occurring increases in survivors. According to The National Stroke Association, about 25% of stroke survivors will experience another stroke. Within the first five years after the initial stroke, the risk of a second stroke is approximately 40% higher. However, it is estimated that 80% of secondary strokes are preventable with lifestyle changes and medical intervention.
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Help them adapt their home to make it easier to move around
Adapting a person's home environment is crucial to aid their recovery after a stroke and make it easier for them to move around. Here are some ways to do this:
Remove Obstacles and Hazards
Identify and remove any potential hazards or obstacles that could cause trips or falls. Ensure that walkways are clear and free from clutter, and secure or remove loose rugs or cables. Good lighting is also essential, especially at night, to illuminate potential hazards.
Install Grab Bars and Handrails
Install grab bars in strategic locations, such as in the bathroom near the shower, bathtub, and toilet. Additionally, consider installing handrails along hallways and staircases to provide support and assist with balance when moving around.
Rearrange Furniture
Rearrange furniture to create wider pathways and ensure there is ample space for the person to move around, especially if they are using a wheelchair or walker. This may involve temporarily removing some furniture to create a more open layout.
Adjust Doorways and Thresholds
If the person is using a wheelchair or walker, you may need to widen doorways and adjust thresholds to ensure ease of access. This can be done by installing offset door hinges or swing-clear door hinges, which increase the clearance of the doorway.
Consider Ramps
If there are steps leading up to the entrance of the home, consider installing a ramp to make it easier for the person to enter and exit the house. Ramps can be permanent or portable, depending on the specific needs and preferences of the individual.
Adapt the Kitchen
Make necessary adaptations in the kitchen to facilitate meal preparation and reduce hazards. This may include lowering countertops or installing adjustable-height countertops to accommodate a wheelchair user. Additionally, consider installing pull-out shelves and cabinets with easy-to-grasp handles to improve accessibility.
Bathroom Modifications
Modify the bathroom to ensure safety and accessibility. Install a shower chair or bench to provide a safe and comfortable bathing experience. You may also need to adjust the height of the toilet or install toilet rails to assist with transferring.
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Frequently asked questions
Recovery from a stroke can be a long journey, and survivors often need to re-learn everyday tasks like walking, talking, and taking care of themselves. Here are some ways you can help:
- Offer emotional support and listen to their fears, feelings, and concerns.
- Help with rehabilitation and daily exercises.
- Stay connected and celebrate their progress.
- Help make their living space safer by rearranging furniture and removing trip hazards.
- Learn the best way to communicate with them.
The recovery timeline varies from person to person. Some people may recover within days or weeks, while others may take months or years. The biggest improvements usually occur within the first three to four months, but recovery can continue well into the first and second year.
Caregivers should consider physical or occupational therapy if their loved one experiences dizziness, imbalance, difficulty walking or moving around, inability to walk for six minutes without resting, or difficulty completing daily activities.
The effects of a stroke depend on its severity and the area of the brain affected. They can include cognitive symptoms like memory problems and speech difficulties; physical symptoms such as weakness, paralysis, and swallowing issues; and emotional symptoms like depression and impulsivity.
Offer to help with tasks such as driving the person to appointments, doing household chores, or simply providing a listening ear to show your support and appreciation for their efforts.