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Caring for a Loved One After a Stroke


About this topic


When your loved one is diagnosed with a stroke, there may be changes in life, body functions, and emotions. It can be stressful and cause a lifestyle change. Some problems can last for weeks, months, or even years. Some may last forever. After a stroke, some people may have problems with how they move or with balance. Others may have problems with being able to talk, eat, or swallow. Your loved one may not be able to remember things because of a stroke. ‚  
You may have to help your loved one recover, but you also need to take care of yourself. ‚  

General


After a stroke, your loved one may need to recover, cope with changes, and rebuild strength. The doctor will give special orders that need to be followed closely. Sometimes, the person who has had a stroke may not feel like doing some of the things that are needed. Sometimes, you may have to encourage your loved one. Other times, you may need to make things a bit easier. ‚  
Help your loved one get stronger: ‚  
  • Let your loved one start to move around more. Help as needed to keep your loved one safe.
  • Increase the amount of exercise as advised by the doctor or therapist. Exercise with your loved one or help with range of motion exercises.
  • Allow time for rest after exercise.
  • Make your loved one feel useful. Help your loved one learn to use adaptive equipment and a new way of doing things. This may mean learning how to do something with just one hand or using a new tool to help with tasks like simple chores, light housework, or cooking.

Keep the environment safe for your loved one: ‚  
  • Get rid of throw rugs and clutter. Keep all walkways clear. Remember, many people need help from a walker or cane after having a stroke.
  • Have your loved one wear sturdy shoes with nonslip soles when getting up to walk around or move about.
  • Add grab bars and a tub bench to make the bathroom safer.

Help your loved one improve diet: ‚  
  • Offer a well-balanced diet. Include foods that your loved one will enjoy eating. You may need to offer soft foods or help with eating after a stroke, but give choices.
  • Encourage your loved one to eat small meals more often. Encourage your loved one to eat regularly, even if not hungry. Be sure to ask a dietitian about your loved ones diet plan.
  • Ask the therapist about bowls, cups, knives, and forks that are designed for people who have had a stroke.

Help your loved one get enough rest: ‚  
  • Let your loved one get the rest needed.
  • Make a schedule of increased activity with rest periods afterwards. A daily schedule can also help with memory problems or confusion.
  • Avoid coffee and tea at night.
  • Make your home relaxing with soothing music, quiet talk, and warm lighting.

Help with memory, thinking, and speaking problems: ‚  
  • Talk with the therapist for specific exercises you can do to help your loved one.
  • Give simple instructions, one step at a time, in order to help your loved one with a task.
  • Use notes and reminders to help with memory problems.
  • Think about using games, puzzles, or crosswords to help with thinking problems.

Help lower stress: ‚  
  • Try to help lessen stress on your loved one. That person may be worrying about the future, how bills will get paid, or about being a burden.
  • Help your loved one practice and do deep breathing exercises.
  • Encourage your loved one to spend time with family and friends.
  • Help your loved one make decisions.
  • Try to help ease the burden by giving encouragement and fostering independence.

There are a few more things you can do to help your loved one: ‚  
  • Make sure that you give the drugs your loved is taking on time. Do not miss giving doses. Prepare the drugs and make sure that you give the right drug with the right dose.
  • Do not run out of your loved one's drugs. Get refills before the drugs run out. Do not stop giving these drugs without talking with the doctor.
  • Your loved one will likely have doctor and therapist visits. Be sure to keep these visits.

Where can I learn more?


American Occupational Therapy Association ‚  
http://www.aota.org/en/About-Occupational-Therapy/Patients-Clients/Adults/Stroke/RecoveringFromStroke.aspx ‚  
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization ‚  
http://www.caringinfo.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3323 ‚  
National Stroke Association ‚  
http://www.stroke.org/site/DocServer/NSA_CaregiversAndStroke.pdf?docID=9341 ‚  
http://www.stroke.org/site/DocServer/CG_Chapter6_ManagingRecovery.pdf?docID=9067 ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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