Gifts Of Comfort And Support For Stroke Survivors

A stroke can drastically alter a person's quality of life, and it can be challenging to know what to get for a stroke victim. The best gifts are those that are practical, helpful, and considerate, aiding their recovery and improving their daily life. Here are some thoughtful gift ideas for stroke victims to uplift their spirits and make their lives a little easier.

Essential oils and a diffuser

Essential oils are a natural form of medicine that can be easily purchased and have relatively few side effects. They can be used to help manage the physical and psychological post-stroke trauma. However, it is important to note that essential oils are not a substitute for professional medical advice and should be used only after consulting a doctor.

Essential oils can be massaged into the skin or aromatized to stimulate recovery within the brain and body. Aromatherapy, which uses a combination of essential oils and aromatic plants, can be a great way to utilize essential oils for stroke recovery. The treatment usually includes massage, which helps the highly scented oils penetrate the deeper layers of skin. Aromatic oils can also be absorbed when they are mixed with water and evaporated into the air or inhaled directly. Their scents are said to have an effect on the limbic system in the brain, which is connected to emotion and memory. This is why aromatherapy is believed to promote relaxation and a more positive mood.

• Lavender essential oil: It has unique properties to help prevent oxidative tension in the brain, which can cause a lot of post-stroke cell damage. By reducing oxidative tension, it can help to maintain neurological functions and prevent a second stroke. Lavender also helps to relieve stress and anxiety, promoting better sleep quality.
• Eucalyptus essential oil: It helps to relieve muscle and joint pain, which is often experienced by stroke patients. It also boosts the awareness of the mind and fights brain haze after a stroke.
• Rosemary essential oil: It reduces fatigue, improves mental lucidity, and increases enthusiasm by stimulating the brain. However, this oil should be avoided if the patient has high blood pressure as it increases blood circulation.
• Lemon essential oil: It improves one's mood and energy. It also detoxifies the body and promotes digestion.
• Bergamot essential oil: It has been observed to increase alertness in stroke patients.
• Frankincense essential oil: It is a powerful antidepressant and helps calm the nerves. It can also assist in brain repair and function and reduce scar tissue.

A diffuser can be used to distribute essential oils into the air. However, it is important to note that diffusing oils in a room with multiple occupants should be avoided as different individuals may have different reactions to specific essential oils. Accessories such as necklaces, key chains, or aroma sticks are more effective in focusing the effects of an essential oil on the intended individual.

Books about living with a stroke

There are many books available that offer information, tips, and comfort to help stroke survivors, their families, and caregivers. Here is a list of books about living with a stroke:

'The Stroke Book: A Guide to Life After Stroke for Survivors and Those Who Care for Them' by June Biermann and Barbara Toohey

The Stroke Book is an indispensable and sensitive guide for stroke sufferers and their caregivers. It offers clear explanations of the science of strokes, information on what to expect in the hospital and during rehabilitation, and advice on coping with complex rehabilitation needs. It also provides suggestions for preventing future strokes and insights on how to reclaim independence and quality of life after a stroke.

'My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist's Personal Journey' by Jill Bolte Taylor

My Stroke of Insight is a book about the author's life-changing experience of surviving a massive stroke as a brain scientist. It is full of compassion and provides valuable insights into stroke recovery.

'Stronger After Stroke: Your Roadmap to Recovery' by Peter G. Levine

Stronger After Stroke is a technical guide that provides simple-to-follow instructions for reaching the highest possible level of recovery. It covers topics such as repetition of task-specific practice, proper scheduling of practice, setting goals, and measuring progress.

'Healing & Happiness After Stroke' by Kari Dahlgren

This book focuses on the emotional side of stroke recovery, addressing topics such as shame and loss of self-esteem. It aims to help readers rewire their brains for happiness and find the motivation to achieve an amazing recovery.

'The Brain that Changes Itself' by Norman Doidge

The Brain that Changes Itself explores the concept of neuroplasticity, which is the process by which the brain rewires itself and bounces back from injury through repetition. It includes inspiring real-life examples of stroke recovery, such as the story of a woman born with half a brain that rewired itself to work as a whole.

'After a Stroke: 500 Tips for Living Well' by a stroke survivor

This book is filled with practical tips and support to help cope with the lifestyle changes that come in the wake of a stroke. It offers advice and insights from someone who has firsthand experience with stroke recovery.

These books provide a combination of technical guidance, personal stories, and emotional support for stroke survivors and their loved ones. They offer hope, inspiration, and practical strategies for navigating the challenges of stroke recovery and living a fulfilling life after a stroke.

Pill organisers

A stroke can be a life-altering event, and it's understandable that you want to help your loved one in their recovery process. One practical way to do this is by gifting them a pill organiser.

When choosing a pill organiser, look for one with clear, easy-to-read labels and enough compartments for the number of pills your loved one needs to take each day. You can find pill organisers with compartments for each day of the week, and some even have multiple compartments for each day, which is ideal for managing medication that needs to be taken at specific times. You may also want to consider getting a pill organiser that is easy to open, especially if your loved one has limited hand mobility.

In addition to pill organisers, there are other gifts that can aid in your loved one's recovery. For example, essential oils like jasmine oil can help with the depression that many stroke survivors experience. A Netflix gift card can also be a great way to help them relax and take their mind off their recovery.

Remember, the best gifts for stroke patients don't have to be expensive. Even a small, thoughtful gift can go a long way in showing your loved one that you care and are thinking about them.

Mobility aids

• Rehabilitation therapists: Working with professionals such as rehabilitation nurses, physical therapists, and occupational therapists is crucial for stroke recovery. They will create a tailored plan to help the patient relearn basic tasks and improve strength, balance, and coordination.
• Exercise regimen: Specific exercises prescribed by a physiotherapist can help improve strength, coordination, balance, and overall fitness. These exercises should be repeated frequently for optimal improvement.
• Mobility aids: Devices such as canes, walkers, and wheelchairs can be essential, depending on the patient's condition. Additionally, special braces like an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) can support the feet and ankles, preventing foot drop and reducing the risk of falls.
• Electrical stimulation: This technique may be used to strengthen weak muscles and aid in the rehabilitation process.
• Treadmills and video games: Equipment like treadmills and interactive video games can be incorporated into the rehabilitation program to make it more engaging and effective.
• Foot drop prevention: Weakness and contracture of the foot and ankle muscles can lead to foot drop, making walking difficult. An AFO brace can help minimise this issue and reduce the risk of tripping.
• Fall prevention: Stroke victims are at an increased risk of falling. Wearing comfortable, firm-fitting shoes with good grip can help reduce the likelihood of falls. Physiotherapists and occupational therapists can also assess the patient's safety in different situations and recommend appropriate mobility aids.
• Home modifications: Occupational therapists can suggest home modifications, such as installing handrails or shower chairs, to prevent falls and make daily activities safer.
• Regular activity: Even after the initial six months of recovery, regular physical activity can help continue the rehabilitation process. Joining a fitness centre or an exercise group can provide support and guidance for stroke victims.

Meal delivery subscriptions

However, shopping for ingredients and preparing meals can be difficult for stroke survivors, especially those with hand impairments. Meal delivery subscriptions can help by providing fresh, healthy ingredients and recipes, allowing survivors to skip the daunting task of grocery shopping and focus on preparing nutritious meals.

When choosing a meal delivery subscription, it is important to consider the survivor's abilities and needs. Some services, such as Hello Fresh and Daily Harvest, provide ingredients and recipes that the recipient can cook at home. This option may be frustrating for those with hand impairments, so it is important to ensure the survivor is comfortable with cooking. Alternatively, ready-made meal delivery services, such as Blue Apron, or food delivery gift cards, such as Grubhub or DoorDash, can be a more convenient option.

It is also crucial to consider any dietary restrictions or preferences the survivor may have. For example, if they are following a specific diet, such as the Mediterranean diet or the DASH diet, choose a service that offers compatible meal options. Additionally, be mindful of any food allergies or intolerances the survivor may have and select a service that accommodates their needs.

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