Thoughtful Christmas Gifts For Stroke Survivors And Their Needs

The festive season can be a tricky time for those recovering from a stroke, and finding the right gift can be a challenge. While the usual presents might not be suitable, there are still plenty of thoughtful options to consider. From aids to improve daily life to gifts that boost recovery, there's something to suit every budget. So, whether you're looking for stocking fillers or something more substantial, here are some ideas to get you started on the perfect present for your loved one this Christmas.

Mobility aids and accessories

Wheelchairs, Walkers, Canes, and Crutches

If your loved one is having significant mobility issues after their stroke, a wheelchair, walker, cane, or crutches could be a great gift to help them get around more easily. Even if they already have one of these mobility aids, you could consider getting them some accessories or decorations to personalise their equipment.

Wheelchair Blankets and Walker Organizers

If the stroke victim already has a wheelchair or walker, consider getting them some accessories such as a blanket to keep them warm while using their wheelchair or an organiser to help them keep their belongings close at hand while using their walker.

Leg Lifters

If the person you're buying for has limited leg mobility, a leg lifter could be a helpful gift. Leg lifters assist with moving in and out of bed and can be a great aid for those who struggle with this task. However, keep in mind that leg lifters do require substantial upper body strength to use.

Long-Handled Shoe Horns

A long-handled shoe horn is another useful gift idea. This tool can help someone with limited mobility put on their shoes more easily and can also assist with removing shoes without having to bend over too far.

Non-Skid Slippers

Non-skid slippers are a great gift to help prevent falls and keep the stroke victim safe. Look for slippers with a back to protect the heel and adjustable velcro tabs to accommodate any foot swelling.

Tilting Movable Table

A c-shaped laptop desk with wheels can be extremely helpful for someone who finds sitting at a regular desk or table uncomfortable or impossible. Look for one with an adjustable height and a tilting top surface to provide the most flexibility and comfort.

Adaptive Clothing

Adaptive clothing is designed to make getting dressed easier for people with limited mobility. Look for clothing made from soft, sensory-friendly fabrics that can be put on either by the stroke victim themselves or with the help of a caregiver.

Meal delivery subscriptions

There are a variety of meal delivery services to choose from, each with its own unique features and benefits. For example, Hello Fresh delivers fresh ingredients and recipes straight to your door, allowing you to skip the daunting task of grocery shopping. Daily Harvest offers a similar service, providing healthy, pre-portioned ingredients that can be easily prepared at home. If the stroke victim you're buying for prefers ready-made meals, Blue Apron might be a better option. Alternatively, you could give them a Grubhub or DoorDash gift card so they can order meals from their favourite local restaurants.

When choosing a meal delivery service, it's important to consider the dietary restrictions and preferences of the stroke victim. For example, a Mediterranean or DASH diet, which focuses on plant-based foods, healthy fats, and limited salt and sugar intake, is often recommended for those recovering from a stroke.

Additionally, it's worth noting that some stroke victims may have difficulty cooking due to hand impairments or other physical limitations. In such cases, it's crucial to assess their comfort level with cooking before subscribing to a meal kit service.

Overall, meal delivery subscriptions can be a thoughtful and practical gift for a stroke victim, providing them with nutritious meals that support their recovery journey.

Sensory-friendly clothing and accessories

When choosing a gift for a stroke victim, it is important to consider their needs and what would make their life easier. Sensory-friendly clothing and accessories can be a great option to help them feel more comfortable and relaxed. Here are some ideas for sensory-friendly clothing and accessories that you could consider as a gift:

Clothing

• Super-soft and seamless clothing items: Look for items made with soft fabrics such as modal, bamboo, or organic cotton. These fabrics are gentle on the skin and can provide a soothing sensation.
• Tagless or discreet tags: Physical tags on clothing can be irritating, so opt for items that have no tags or discreet, soft tags that won't cause discomfort.
• Stretchy waistbands: Clothing with stretchy waistbands, such as leggings or sweatpants, can be a comfortable option that allows for a full range of motion.
• Loose-fitting clothing: Avoid clothing that is too tight or restrictive. Loose-fitting items allow for freedom of movement and can help the wearer feel more comfortable.
• Compression garments: Compression socks or undergarments can provide a soothing sensation and improve blood circulation.

Accessories

• Weighted collar: A soothing weighted collar can be a great way to help the wearer feel calm and relaxed, especially after a busy or stimulating day.
• Fidget toys: Fidget toys, such as the FidgetCord attached to the FidgetFocus Hoodie, can provide a discreet way to fidget and help regulate stimuli.
• Eye mask: An eye mask can be useful for blocking out visual stimuli and providing a break from bright lights, which can help reduce anxiety.
• Noise-blocking headphones: Too much noise can be overwhelming, so a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones can be a great way to block out distractions and create a calming environment.

Remember to consider the specific needs and preferences of the person you are buying for. You can also ask them or their caregivers for any specific requests or recommendations.

Speech therapy apps

If you're looking for a Christmas gift for a stroke survivor, there are several options that could be helpful and support their recovery.

One idea is to give the gift of speech therapy apps, which can be a great way to support a stroke survivor's recovery and help them improve their communication skills. Here are some options for speech therapy apps that you could consider:

CT Speech & Cognitive Therapy App

The CT Speech & Cognitive Therapy App provides access to over 100,000 exercises designed to help improve speech, language, and critical thinking skills. It was created by two speech therapists to help stroke survivors stay engaged in therapy at home. The app costs $29.99 per month.

Constant Therapy

Constant Therapy is an award-winning cognitive, language, and speech therapy app that offers a range of interactive therapy activities. It is designed to be used by patients, clinicians, educators, and researchers. The app can be used on any tablet, smartphone, or Chromebook. It costs $29.99 per month or $299.99 per year for individual clients.

Tactus Therapy Apps

Tactus Therapy offers a range of speech therapy apps designed by a speech-language pathologist. These apps are easy to use and affordable, with no subscriptions or log-in requirements. The apps cover a range of areas, including aphasia, and can be used on iOS and Android devices. The price varies per app, ranging from $5 to $25, with discount bundles available.

Proloquo2Go

Proloquo2Go is an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) app that provides a voice for individuals who have difficulty speaking or cannot speak at all. It offers quick access to symbols for core words, which can be extremely helpful for stroke survivors with impaired verbal communication. The app can be used on iPads, iPhones, and iPods.

Language Therapy 4-in-1

The Language Therapy 4-in-1 app is designed for stroke patients affected by aphasia. It combines four separate apps that address comprehension, naming, reading, and writing. This app can help stroke survivors work on a variety of cognitive tasks and improve their communication skills.

In addition to speech therapy apps, there are also other gift ideas that can support a stroke survivor's recovery and overall well-being. These include:

• Adaptive eating utensils to aid with eating if the person has difficulty holding or balancing food with regular utensils.
• A weighted blanket to provide comfort and ease stress and anxiety, which are common after a stroke.
• Noise-blocking headphones to help reduce sensory overload and create a calming environment.
• A subscription to a meal delivery service to ensure the person is eating nutritious meals to support their recovery.
• A pill box organizer to help manage medication, especially if memory or organization is a challenge.
• Wooden book holders to make reading easier if the person has impaired hand function.

Recreational items

MusicGlove Hand Therapy

The MusicGlove is a clinically proven, music-based hand exercise device that improves hand function within two weeks. It is a premium stroke recovery gadget that can be an excellent gift, providing entertainment and fun for the recipient.

Netflix Gift Card

A Netflix gift card can be a thoughtful gift for a stroke victim, allowing them to access various programs, films, and videos. Streaming services like Netflix offer an affordable and user-friendly way to stay entertained and connected to the outside world during recovery.

Subscription to Meal Delivery

A subscription to a meal delivery service can be a helpful gift, especially if the stroke victim struggles with cooking or grocery shopping. Services like Hello Fresh or Daily Harvest deliver fresh ingredients and recipes, making it easier for the recipient to eat healthy meals without the hassle of shopping.

FitMi Home Therapy

FitMi is an interactive home therapy program that motivates users to perform high repetitions of therapeutic, full-body exercises. It helps stimulate the brain and improve movement, making it an excellent gift for those looking to enhance their recovery journey.

Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Some stroke victims are sensitive to noise, and noise-cancelling headphones can provide a much-needed break from overwhelming background noise. They can also be useful for listening to soothing music, aiding in relaxation and reducing anxiety.

Golf-Related Gifts

For a stroke victim who enjoyed golf before their stroke, consider gifting items related to the sport. This could include golf books, DVDs, box sets of golf tournaments, or even golf-themed gifts like golf balls with their name on them. These gifts can provide a sense of familiarity and motivation for their recovery journey.

Frequently asked questions