About this topic
A stroke happens when blood flow does not get to a part of your brain. Then, the brain cells in this area start to die. You may have problems in different areas of your body. The problems you have are based on where the stroke happens in the brain. Most often, you will have problems on the opposite side of your body from where the stroke happened. You may have weakness or not be able to move your arms or legs. You may have poor memory or trouble talking or eating. You may have problems with everyday tasks like grooming, using the bathroom, getting dressed, or taking a bath. ‚
General
If one of your arms is weaker because of the stroke, everyday tasks that seemed simple before are often difficult. If you have trouble with daily tasks, a therapist can show you how to do these things easier. ‚
Tips for Grooming ‚
- Brushing your teeth:
- Lay the toothbrush down and squeeze the toothpaste over the bristles. You can also use a toothpaste dispenser. You can also try a toothbrush holder.
- Brushing your dentures
- Try using a suction cup denture brush. You can suction it to the counter and clean your dentures with one hand.
- Nail care
- Many tools to care for your nails also come with suction cups to attach to a counter or table. A nail brush will help you clean under your nails.
- A clip or file with a suction cup will help you trim your nails. Use the weight of your strong arm to push down the nail clipper.
- Toileting
- You may find it easier to use toilet wipes instead of paper when using the bathroom. They are easier to hold with one hand. You may find they get you cleaner. A toilet aid with a long handle may be helpful. This device holds the toilet tissue or wipes and helps you reach to clean yourself.
- Shaving
- You may find it easier and safer to use an electric or battery-operated razor.
Tips for Dressing ‚
- Buttons
- You may find it easier to replace buttons with Velcro tabs. If not, try using a button hook to help with buttons.
- Put the hook through the buttonhole.
- Put the hook around the bottom of the button and pull back through the hole.
- Shoes
- Choose shoes that slip on or ones that close with Velcro.
- You may want to replace regular shoe laces with ones made of elastic. Then, you will be able to easily slip on shoes that tie.
- Try a long shoe horn to help get the backs on.
- Dressing your upper body
- You may find it easier to wear shirts without buttons or zippers. Also, you may want to wear material that is loose and stretches.
- Start with your shirt on your lap. The back should be facing up and the neck by your knees. The sleeves will hang down by your knees.
- Reach through the bottom of the shirt and put your weak arm down the sleeve. Pull the sleeve up past your elbow and then put your strong arm in the other sleeve.
- Pull the shirt over your head.
- You may find it easier to replace bra hooks with Velcro or to choose a bra that slips on over your head. You may want to get a bra that closes in the front.
- Dressing your lower body
- You may want to choose pants with an elastic waistband. Then, you will not have to deal with a zipper or buttons. If you wear a belt, thread the belt through your belt loops before you put your pants on.
- Sit down and cross your legs with your weaker leg crossed over your stronger leg.
- Lean forward to put your underclothes, pants, or socks on your weaker leg.
- Uncross your legs and dress your other leg.
- Pull your clothes up past your knees and then stand up. If you have trouble with balance, you may want to have a helper with you. Or, use a solid chair, table, railing, or handrail on the wall.
- Pull your clothes up over your hips.
- When removing clothing, take the clothes off the stronger side first.
Tips for Bathing ‚
- Stay safe in the shower or tub to lower your chance of falling.
- Use a tub bench or bath seat.
- Have grab bars installed.
- Use a nonslip mat.
- Feel the water temperature with your strong hand or arm. Make sure the water is not too hot or too cold before getting in the tub or shower.
- Certain items can make bathing easier.
- Use a long-handled sponge to wash your back and legs.
- Use shower gel with a pump dispenser or use a soap on a rope holder.
- To clean under your weak arm, lean forward if you can safely and let the arm fall forward, you should be able to wash under the arm.
- Put on a terry cloth robe after your shower to dry off.
Where can I learn more?
American Stroke Association ‚
http://www.strokeassociation.org/STROKEORG/LifeAfterStroke/RegainingIndependence/TipsforDailyLiving/Dressing-Tips-for-Stroke-Survivors_UCM_310116_Article.jsp ‚
National Stroke Association ‚
http://www.stroke.org/site/DocServer/NSAFactSheet_ManagingLifeatHome.pdf?docID=994 ‚
Stroke4Carers ‚
http://www.stroke4carers.org/?tag=dressing ‚
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. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚