Getting A Stroke Patient Up: Quick And Safe Techniques

Stroke survivors often experience mobility issues and are at a high risk of falling. They may need help with daily tasks, including eating, medication, and communication. Caregivers should be aware of the survivor's needs and take steps to prevent accidents. This may include home modifications such as installing grab bars and non-slip mats, removing floor mats and cords from walkways, and moving the bedroom to the ground floor to avoid stairs. Caregivers should also focus on the survivor's emotional well-being, providing support and companionship. It is important to be patient, respectful, and encouraging, allowing the survivor to practice their speech, movement, and other skills. Additionally, caregivers should prioritise their own self-care and seek support when needed.

Prevention: Preventative measures to avoid medical complications

Caring for a stroke patient can be challenging, and it is important to take preventative measures to avoid medical complications and promote recovery. Here are some ways to reduce the risk of complications and promote recovery:

• Medication Management: Ensure the stroke survivor takes their medications as directed by their doctor. Do not add or change any medications without consulting their doctor. This is crucial for preventing another stroke and managing their health conditions.
• Monitor for Changes: Keep an eye out for any changes in the stroke survivor's status, such as new or worsening symptoms. Notify their doctor or healthcare provider immediately if you notice anything concerning, as it could indicate a late-onset stroke effect or a medication side effect.
• Fall Prevention: Take measures to prevent falls, as stroke survivors are at high risk due to hemiplegia (weakness on one side of the body), balance issues, or one-sided neglect. Make home modifications such as installing grab bars and non-slip mats, removing trip hazards, and improving lighting. Encourage the use of assistive devices like walkers or canes.
• Healthy Lifestyle: Promote healthy lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of another stroke. This includes a healthy diet, regular exercise, and smoking cessation. Prepare low-fat meals, encourage physical activity, and create a smoke-free environment.
• Blood Pressure Control: High blood pressure is a significant risk factor for stroke. Work with the stroke survivor's doctor to monitor and control their blood pressure. This may involve dietary changes, such as reducing salt and high-cholesterol food intake, and increasing fruit and vegetable consumption.
• Manage Diabetes: Diabetes is a risk factor for stroke and can lead to complications. Work with the stroke survivor's healthcare team to manage their diabetes effectively, including through diet, exercise, and medication.
• Atrial Fibrillation Treatment: Atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat that can cause blood clots, increases the risk of stroke. If the stroke survivor has this condition, ensure they receive appropriate treatment, which may include anticoagulant medication (blood thinners).
• Emotional Support: Provide emotional support to the stroke survivor, as they may experience mood changes, depression, or anxiety. Encourage them to express their feelings and offer love, patience, and support. Consider joining a stroke support group or seeking counselling if needed.
• Communication Adaptations: Stroke survivors may have difficulty with communication. Use short, simple sentences, ask yes or no questions, and use hand gestures to support understanding. Minimise distractions and give them ample time to respond.
• Swallowing and Feeding Assistance: Some stroke survivors may have difficulty swallowing or chewing. Adapt feeding techniques by sitting them upright during meals, using straws, providing soft or blended foods, and ensuring adequate calorie and nutrient intake.
• Bladder and Bowel Management: Stroke can affect bladder and bowel control. Work with a healthcare provider to find solutions, such as medication, therapy, or lifestyle changes. Be mindful of the risk of urinary tract infections and take steps to prevent them.
• Seizure Management: Strokes can increase the risk of seizures, especially in hemorrhagic strokes or those involving the cerebral cortex. If seizures occur, seek medical attention, and consider anticonvulsant medication if recommended by a doctor.
• Skin Care: Prolonged immobility can lead to bedsores, so ensure the stroke survivor changes positions regularly and inspects their skin for any discolouration. Keep their skin clean and dry, and apply barrier creams, especially in areas that come into contact with urine or stool.
• Physical Therapy: Encourage the stroke survivor to participate in regular physical therapy exercises to improve mobility, flexibility, and strength. This can help prevent muscle tightening (spasticity) and reduce the risk of falls.

Safety: Reducing risks of falling

Stroke survivors are often at high risk of falling due to hemiplegia (weakness on one side of the body), balance problems, or one-sided neglect. Here are some tips to reduce the risk of falls for stroke patients:

• Make home modifications: Install grab bars and non-slip mats, decrease clutter, and remove floor mats and cords from walkways. This will help improve the patient's ability to navigate the home safely.
• Consult with an occupational therapist: They can advise on the types of adaptive equipment that may be helpful and assess the patient's ability to participate in daily activities.
• Encourage daily rehabilitative exercise: Regularly practicing exercises that involve the use of affected functions can help improve balance and mobility.
• Preventative care: Ensure medications are managed and administered appropriately, and monitor the patient for any changes in their status that may indicate a late-onset stroke effect or an adverse side effect of medication.
• Seek help from outside sources: Getting assistance from family members, friends, or professional care providers can give caregivers time to relax and recharge, reducing the risk of caregiver burnout.
• Focus on physical health: Caregivers should also prioritise their own physical well-being by getting regular check-ups, exercising, and getting enough rest. This will enable them to better support the stroke patient and reduce the risk of falls.

Independence: Encouraging survivors to do as much as they can

Encouraging stroke survivors to do as much as they can is an important part of the recovery process. This can help to promote recovery and improve the survivor's self-confidence and outlook. Here are some ways to encourage independence:

• Allow them to do as much as they can: Even if the survivor is struggling with a task, avoid completing the whole task for them. Instead, do the activity together, encouraging them to push themselves to do as much as possible. This can help stimulate neuroplasticity, or adaptive brain rewiring, which is essential for recovery.
• Use practical compensatory techniques: There are several techniques that can help stroke survivors with their daily activities. For example, dressing the affected side of the body first and undressing it last can make dressing easier. Using adaptive equipment, such as a standing frame, can also increase independence and reduce the burden on caregivers.
• Encourage daily rehabilitative exercise: Regularly practicing exercises that involve the use of affected functions is crucial for recovery. Therapists can provide survivors and caregivers with a home program tailored to the survivor's needs. Any challenging yet doable task can help promote neuroplasticity and boost recovery.
• Focus on long-term improvement: Remember that recovery is a lifelong process, and it's not about getting the survivor back to where they were before the stroke. Instead, focus on finding a new way forward and adopting new methods of communication or movement if needed.
• Provide emotional support: Stroke survivors may experience a range of emotions, such as grief, anger, and anxiety. It's important to allow them to express their feelings and provide emotional support. Be respectful and treat the survivor as a partner rather than a victim, allowing them to make their own decisions whenever possible.
• Make home modifications: Consider making changes to the home environment to improve the survivor's ability to navigate safely and reduce the risk of falls. This may include installing grab bars and non-slip mats, removing floor mats and cords from walkways, and moving the bedroom to the ground floor to avoid stairs.

Support: Providing emotional support

Providing emotional support to a stroke patient is crucial, as the emotional impact of a stroke can be just as devastating as the physical. Around a third of stroke survivors experience post-stroke depression, and 20% will suffer from emotionalism within six months of their stroke. Emotional support can help stroke survivors come to terms with what has happened to them and aid in their recovery. Here are some ways to provide emotional support:

• Offer love, patience, and support: The losses from a stroke can be devastating to the survivor, and they may experience a range of emotions such as grief, anger, and anxiety. It is important to provide a safe and non-judgmental space for them to express their feelings.
• Be respectful and empowering: Treat the person as a partner rather than a victim. Allow them to make their own decisions whenever possible and encourage them to take an active role in their daily activities. Focus on finding a new way forward rather than trying to get them back to where they were before the stroke.
• Provide companionship: Caregivers can play a vital role in providing support and companionship so that the person does not feel alone. Be present and spend time with them, engaging in hobbies or activities they enjoy.
• Encourage resilience: Help the stroke survivor develop resilience skills such as mindfulness, focusing on the present, problem-solving, gratitude, optimism, self-care, and interpersonal communication. These skills can optimize their recovery and help them cope with the challenges of adjusting to life after a stroke.
• Seek professional help if needed: Keep an eye out for signs of depression or other mental health issues. Stroke survivors are at an increased risk of depression, and it is important to seek treatment if needed. Counselling or therapy can be beneficial in managing emotional distress.
• Join support groups: Support groups can provide valuable resources, information, and a sense of community for both the stroke survivor and the caregiver. It can be helpful to connect with others who are going through similar experiences.
• Promote healthy lifestyle changes: Encourage healthy diet and regular exercise to aid in the person's recovery and reduce the risk of another stroke.
• Make home modifications: Adapt the person's living environment to make it safer and more accessible. This can include installing grab bars, removing trip hazards, and making other necessary changes to promote independence and reduce the risk of falls.

Self-care: Taking time for self-care activities

Caring for a stroke patient can be a challenging and demanding task, and it is important for caregivers to also prioritize their own health and well-being. Here are some self-care strategies to incorporate into your routine:

Make time for self-care activities

Engaging in activities that you enjoy and that promote relaxation can help to reduce stress and improve your overall well-being. This could include activities such as taking a walk, doing yoga, reading a book, or taking a warm bath. Joining a support group specifically for caregivers can also provide a sense of community and allow you to connect with others who understand your experiences.

Practice stress-reduction techniques

Caregiving can be emotionally and physically demanding, so it is important to find healthy ways to manage stress. This could include techniques such as meditation, prayer, yoga, or Tai Chi. Finding healthy outlets for your emotions can help you process and cope with the challenges of caregiving.

Prioritize your physical health

It is important to take care of your physical health by getting regular check-ups, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. Caregiving can be physically demanding, so maintaining your strength and energy is crucial. Even short walks or stretches throughout the day can make a difference.

Ask for help

Don't be afraid to ask for help from family members, friends, or community resources. Caregiving can be overwhelming, and it is okay to delegate tasks or seek support. Many organizations and resources are available to help caregivers, such as the Family Caregiver Alliance or the Eldercare Locator tool.

Take breaks

Taking regular breaks from caregiving is essential for your well-being. This could involve recruiting help with transportation to appointments, using adult daycare services, or scheduling vacations. Finding time for yourself can help prevent caregiver burnout and improve your overall resilience.

Seek professional support

If you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed, consider seeking professional support from a therapist or counselor. Caregivers are at an increased risk for depression and other mental health issues, so it is important to prioritize your mental health.

Remember, taking time for self-care is not selfish; it is necessary for your well-being and will ultimately help you provide better care for your loved one.

Frequently asked questions