Using home care following a stroke can help promote healing and recovery in a number of important ways.
Experiencing a stroke is a frightening, unexpected experience. The consequences can be minor to life-altering, but one very important factor is apparent: follow-up care is crucial. Fortunately, a great deal of this care is able to be provided in the comfort of home. If you’re caring for a loved one who has recently had a stroke, below are some of the ways to help ensure optimal healing, and information about how home care following a stroke promotes recovery.
What Are the Best Ways to Help a Loved One at Home Following a Stroke?
A critical first step is speaking with the person’s healthcare provider. Find out as much as you are able to about what could have triggered the stroke, what the expected outcome is, and what they’re recommending with regard to a treatment and recovery plan. It’s also a smart idea to request resources from the doctor about strokes. Knowledge will be important in your ability to offer the most effective help.
In addition, our at-home care professionals advise taking these steps:
- Begin a journal. A simple notebook or digital document is all you will need. Start with a baseline entry regarding the person’s physical and emotional state, any medications being taken, sleeping and eating patterns, etc. It’s normal for new stroke symptoms to develop months after a stroke, and any changes should be brought to the physician’s attention right away.
- Offer encouragement. Sticking with the doctor’s advised changes in lifestyle is not always easy. It’s possible there will be a rehabilitation exercise plan to follow, as regular physical activity is an effective tool for recovery for the brain and body. Motivate the person to engage in these activities precisely as instructed. Joining in to exercise together is an excellent way to make sure the person complies with doctor’s orders.
- Try to avoid taking control. You might be inclined to want to do as much as possible for the person, to allow them to rest rather than overextend themselves. However, it is very important for the person to do as much on their own as possible in order to optimize recovery. Intervene when absolutely essential with just enough assistance to in order to accomplish a challenging task.
- Be patient. The recovery process post-stroke might take quite a bit of time, and there will likely be a few challenges along the way. The person could also experience pseudobulbar affect, which causes sudden bouts of crying or laughing for no obvious reason. They may also experience grief, depression, and anxiety or fear of another stroke occurring. These sorts of emotional changes can be upsetting for both of you, but treatment is available to help.
- Look after yourself. Caregiving for someone you love after a stroke can be emotionally and physically draining. Be careful to set appropriate boundaries to avoid caregiver stress and burnout. Enlist the support 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 essential part of someone’s recovery following a stroke. A few of the numerous ways a home care provider like Morning Glory Home Care, a trusted provider of Highland home health care, can help include:
- Assisting with fall prevention and other home modification suggestions for enhanced safety and independence
- Offering transportation and accompaniment to medical appointments and procedures
- Running errands, such as picking up groceries and prescriptions
- 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.
- Helping with personal hygiene needs
- And a lot more
Contact Morning Glory Home Care’s experts in Highland home health care at 618-667-8400. Discover how our experienced and fully trained caregivers can ensure an easier recovery for someone you love after a stroke. To view a full list of the communities we serve, visit our Service Area page.