Gifts Of Comfort And Support For Stroke Survivors

A stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. The road to recovery can be long and challenging, and it's normal to feel overwhelmed and confused about what to do next. It's important to remember that every stroke is unique, and recovery depends on various factors, including the type and extent of the stroke, as well as the individual's physical and mental health. As a caregiver, you play a crucial role in supporting your loved one's recovery, and it's essential to take care of yourself during this process too.

Emotional support: listen and provide space for fears, feelings and concerns

Emotional support is a critical component of helping a loved one through their stroke recovery. It can be a confusing, scary, and overwhelming time for them, and they may experience a range of emotions, including grief, anger, and depression. Here are some ways you can provide emotional support:

Listen non-judgmentally: Be there for your loved one and lend a sympathetic ear. Allow them to express their fears, feelings, and concerns without interruption or judgment. Understand that their emotions are a normal part of the healing process, and don't expect them to pretend that everything is fine.

Be patient: Recovery from a stroke takes time, and each person's journey is unique. Some people may recover quickly, while others may need more time in physical therapy or voice therapy. Be patient with your loved one's progress and avoid rushing them.

Offer a safe space: Create a safe and supportive environment for your loved one to share their thoughts and feelings. Ensure they feel comfortable and respected during your conversations.

Encourage expression: Help your loved one find healthy ways to express their emotions, such as through journaling, art, or talking to a therapist. Encourage them to join a stroke support group where they can connect with and vent to other survivors.

Validate their feelings: Acknowledge and validate your loved one's feelings. Let them know that it's okay to feel the way they do and that you are there to support them.

Provide reassurance: Reassure your loved one that they are not alone in their recovery journey. Remind them of their progress and celebrate even the smallest accomplishments. Let them know that setbacks are normal and that you will help them navigate any challenges that arise.

Support their mental health: Keep an eye out for signs of post-stroke depression, which is common and can significantly impact their recovery. Encourage your loved one to seek professional help if needed, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or psychological counselling.

Help with rehabilitation: offer to do daily exercises with them

Daily exercises are an important part of stroke recovery, but they can be overwhelming for the survivor. Offer to do these activities with your friend or loved one. You can also guide them through their exercises every day. This will help them regain their independence and improve their quality of life.

Stroke survivors who have experienced a frontal lobe stroke often struggle with planning and staying on task. They may not take the initiative to do their therapy on their own. Additionally, survivors affected by depression after a stroke may have difficulty finding the motivation to exercise.

One of the biggest reasons a survivor may experience a plateau or regression in their progress is inconsistency with their rehab exercises. When a survivor is not consistently performing high repetitions of functional skills or rehab exercises, they will not notice an improvement in their independence. However, with enough practice, they can increase their function and confidence.

If your loved one needs encouragement to perform their exercises, try finding ways to incorporate their hobbies or interests into their home program. You can also create a daily exercise schedule to bring more structure to their routine and help them establish a healthy habit.

Rehabilitation exercises can include physiotherapy and exercises to help with movement, such as numbness down one side of the body. There are also exercises to improve problems with speech, swallowing, and vision, as well as exercises to help with bowel or bladder problems.

Social connections: help them stay connected to their community

Social connections are incredibly important for stroke survivors, who often face isolation due to reduced mobility or post-stroke depression. Here are some ways to help your loved one stay connected to their community:

Be Present

Sometimes, the best way to help is simply to be there for your loved one. Offer them your time and your company, and let them know that you are thinking about them. This could be as simple as sending a card, leaving a little surprise on their doorstep, or sending them a treat. A phone call, email, or video chat can also go a long way in brightening their day and helping them feel less alone.

Encourage Social Interaction

Social interaction and connecting with others can help ease the depression and isolation that are common after a stroke. Help your loved one stay involved with their friends and community activities. This could mean accompanying them to social events or activities, or even just helping them get ready and providing transportation. If your loved one is feeling up for it, you could also invite friends and family over for a visit.

Join Support Groups

Support groups can be a great way for stroke survivors and their caregivers to connect with others who have had similar experiences. These groups provide an opportunity to share experiences, seek advice, and find emotional support. Many stroke survivors and their families have found support and community through resources such as the Stroke Support Helpline, the Stroke Family Warmline, and online communities offered by organizations like the American Stroke Association.

Maintain Family Connections

Family members are often a vital source of support for stroke survivors. Encourage your loved one's family to stay involved and provide support throughout the recovery process. This could include helping with practical tasks, offering emotional support, or simply spending time with the stroke survivor. Strong family connections can make a big difference in the recovery journey.

Utilize Technology

Technology can be a powerful tool for staying connected. Help your loved one set up video calls or use social media platforms to stay in touch with friends and family, especially if they are unable to meet in person. There are also mobile apps, such as the one developed by the AHA and SelfiHealth, that are specifically designed to build connections between individuals with shared health concerns, interests, and experiences.

Practical support: help with tasks like driving or laundry

If you are in a position to offer practical support to someone after a stroke, there are many ways you can help. Here are some suggestions:

Driving

If the person you are supporting is unable to drive, offer to drive them to their appointments or to visit friends and family. This will help them feel less isolated and more connected to their community. It is important for their mental health to maintain social connections.

Laundry

Laundry is an essential task that can become difficult or tiring after a stroke. Offer to do their laundry or help them find a laundry service that can assist them.

Other Practical Tasks

There are many other practical tasks you can help with, such as:

• Cooking or preparing food: This is an important part of their rehabilitation and can become a fun activity you can do together.
• Washing up or doing the dishes: This can help lighten the load for the person supporting the stroke survivor.
• Running errands: Offer to pick up groceries or other items they may need.
• Light housekeeping: Help with tasks such as dusting, vacuuming, or taking out the trash.
• Personal care: Depending on the severity of the stroke, the person may need help with bathing, dressing, or using the toilet.
• Emotional support: Be there to listen and provide a sympathetic ear. Stroke survivors often experience a range of emotions, including grief, anger, and depression. It is important to let them know that these feelings are normal and that you are there for them.

Remember that everyone's experience with stroke is unique, and the support they need may vary. Communicate with the person and their caregivers to understand their specific needs and how you can best help.

Communication: be patient and adapt to their preferred method of communication

Communicating with someone after a stroke

Communication is an important part of any relationship, and it can be particularly challenging when one person has had a stroke. Here are some tips to help you communicate effectively and patiently adapt to their preferred method of communication:

Understand the impact of a stroke on communication

Firstly, it's important to understand how a stroke can affect a person's ability to communicate. A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted, leading to the death of brain cells. This can cause various physical and cognitive impairments, including those related to communication. Some common communication difficulties that may arise after a stroke include:

• Weakness or numbness in the face, mouth, or throat, which can affect speech articulation and swallowing.
• Aphasia, which is an impairment of language, affecting the production or comprehension of speech and the ability to read or write.
• Apraxia of speech, which is when someone has trouble speaking fluently and correctly pronouncing words, despite having no muscle weakness.
• Cognitive impairments, such as difficulty paying attention, memory loss, or challenges with organising thoughts and words.

Adapt your communication methods

Once you understand the specific communication challenges your loved one is facing, you can adapt your methods to their preferred or most comfortable way of communicating. Here are some general tips to improve communication:

• Speak clearly and slowly: Use a regular tone of voice and avoid shouting. Ensure your mouth is visible and not blocked when speaking.
• Get their attention: Ensure you have their full attention before speaking. Face them and maintain comfortable eye contact.
• Reduce distractions: Choose quiet places with minimal background noise to minimise confusion. Turn on more lights in the room or move to a well-lit area to improve visual clarity.
• Rephrase when needed: If the person is having difficulty understanding you, try saying the same thing in a different way or use different words.
• Encourage two-way conversation: If they are able, encourage them to express their thoughts and concerns. Be open and empathetic to their struggles.
• Use yes/no questions and simple phrases: Simplify your language and use specific phrases or questions that are easier to understand and respond to.
• Consider alternative communication methods: If speaking or writing is challenging, explore other methods such as picture boards, gesture systems, or communication devices.
• Be patient and allow extra time: Communication may take more time and effort, so be patient with their progress and allow them ample time to respond without interruption.
• Show warmth and empathy: Be aware of your tone, volume, facial expressions, and body language. Convey a warm and loving manner to make them feel comfortable and supported.

Remember that effective communication is a two-way street, and it may take time and practice for both of you to adapt to new methods. Always encourage feedback and be open to making adjustments as needed.

Frequently asked questions