Find out how home care is helping stroke patients recover.
A stroke is a distressing, unexpected experience. The results can vary from minor to life-changing, but one thing is certain: follow-up care is critical. Thankfully, a lot of this care can be provided at home. If you’re caring for someone post-stroke, below are a few of the ways you can help ensure the best possible healing and information about how home care services are helping stroke patients recover.
What are the Best Ways for Helping Storke Patients Recover?
A critical first step is speaking with the person’s healthcare provider. Find out as much as you can about what could have brought on the stroke, what the likely outcome is, and what they’re recommending in terms of a treatment and recovery plan. It is also wise to request information and resources from the doctor about strokes. Knowledge will be key in your ability to offer the best support.
In addition, our home care specialists share this advice:
- Begin a diary. A plain notebook or digital document is all you need. Start with a baseline entry regarding the person’s physical and emotional state, any medications being taken, eating and sleeping habits, etc. It is not unusual for new stroke symptoms to occur months after a stroke, and any changes need to be brought to the physician’s attention as quickly as possible.
- Provide reassurance. Sticking with the doctor’s suggested lifestyle changes is not always easy. It’s possible there will be a rehab exercise plan to follow, as regular physical exercise is a good tool for recovery for the brain and body. Encourage the person to engage in these activities precisely as directed. Joining in to exercise together can be an effective way to ensure compliance with doctor’s orders.
- Try to avoid taking control. You may be inclined to want to do as much as possible for the person, to help them to rest rather than overexert themselves. However, it is necessary for the person to do as much independently as possible in order to optimize recovery. Intervene when absolutely essential with just enough support to allow them to complete a challenging task.
- Show patience. The healing process post-stroke can take a good amount of time, and there may likely be a few challenges along the way. The individual may also experience pseudobulbar affect, which causes sudden bouts of laughter or crying for no obvious reason. They might also experience anxiety and fear of another stroke occurring, grief, or depression. These kinds of emotional changes can be upsetting for both of you, but treatment solutions are available to help.
- Care for yourself. Caregiving for someone you love following a stroke can be physically and emotionally exhausting. Be sure to create appropriate boundaries in order to prevent caregiver stress and burnout. Enlist the assistance of other family members, friends, or a skilled caregiver to allow you time to step away to take care of your own health and wellbeing.
The Crucial Role of Home Care Post-Stroke
An in-home caregiver should be an integral part of a person’s recovery after a stroke. A number of the many ways a home care provider like Inspired Home Care, a provider of Barrington home care, can help include:
- Assisting with fall prevention as well as other home modification suggestions for improved safety and independence
- Offering transportation and accompaniment to medical appointments and procedures
- Running errands, such as picking up prescriptions and groceries
- Planning and preparing healthy meals in accordance with any dietary restrictions
- Serving as a friendly companion for conversations, help with engaging in exercise programs, playing fun and mind-stimulating games, etc.
- Assisting with personal hygiene needs
- And many others
Contact Inspired Home Care, a trusted provider of Barrington home care services at 847-787-7572. Discover how our fully trained and experienced caregivers can ensure an easier recovery for someone you love following a stroke. For a full list of all of the communities where we provide care, please visit our Locations Served page.