Helpful tips to aid stroke recovery
If your loved one experiences a stroke it can be a huge shock. In addition, because strokes happen so suddenly it can be difficult to adjust to life after a stroke. Once your loved one comes home from the hospital, you may feel scared and overwhelmed at what comes next in their stroke recovery.
Be assured that many people recover well from strokes, though it can be a long process. You and your loved one will also be supported at every step of the journey by specialist health professionals.
The care and support needed can vary hugely as each person’s situation will be unique. However, here are some general tips to aid stroke recovery.
Work with health professionals
You will not be alone in supporting your loved one after their stroke. You should have a team of health professionals to support you. Your loved one will benefit from the support of physiotherapists and occupational therapists as well as your GP, community nurses, carers and other health professionals.
If your loved one does not have this support set up, then speak to your GP.
Your loved one’s health team will put together a plan that will include medications, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech and language therapy and any other specialist help they need. This will help them on the road to recovery.
To aid stroke recovery for your loved one you can support them in the exercises recommended by therapists as well as helping them to eat well, take their medication and stay as active as possible.
Manage the risk of another stroke
As well as supporting your loved one in their stroke recovery it is vital to follow any steps necessary to reduce their risk of a further stroke. This will include taking prescribed medications. Other ways to support your loved one to avoid a further stroke include encouraging them to eat well and exercise in order to lower blood pressure.
You should also make sure they attend follow up appointments.
Supporting your loved one’s hard work
Recovering from a stroke can take a lot of hard work and determination both physically and mentally. Your loved one may get fed up and frustrated, especially if they feel that their progress is slow or has stalled. This is where your help can be invaluable.
At first, your loved one may not be able to manage much, and rest will probably be best for them. Once they begin the rehabilitation process it will help them to have a cheerleader by their side. Many stroke victims find it helpful to have someone help them practice their exercises, but it is important to be sensitive to their needs on any given day. You want to encourage and support them but not push them too far. Emotional support is also key. Your loved one may struggle with low mood and depression. This is the result of the stroke as well as the difficulties they face in recovery. Having someone listen to how they are feeling can help them cope with these emotions.
You might like to encourage your loved one to keep a record of their progress. They can then look back and see how the improvements they have made. Celebrating every success can also provide a much-needed boost.
Taking care of yourself
Caring for someone after a stroke can be very challenging. As well as overseeing their care and supporting their recovery you may also have to be a counsellor or even experience the brunt of their despair, frustration and anger. If you are struggling to cope with these emotional changes, speak to your doctor or visit the Stroke Association for support and guidance.
Remember, you will be better able to support your loved one and be a calm and positive help to them if your needs are taken care of, too.
Choosing care for someone to support stroke recovery
In some situations, you and your loved one may need additional support from trained carers. This may be short term or for a longer period.
Here at Mumby’s, we offer fully managed and outstanding after stroke care in the safety and familiarity of your loved one’s own home. We work closely with the family and healthcare professionals to develop a stroke care plan that suits your loved one’s needs. Mumby’s one to one live-in carers understand and are experienced in stroke recovery. They can offer mild stroke care for a short time or long-term stroke care after a more severe stroke. A live-in carer can offer the support you and your loved one needs so that they can concentrate on their stroke recovery and you have peace of mind.
If you would like more information on what live-in care can offer you and your loved one, call our team free today on 0800 505 3511 for a friendly, no-obligation chat.