How to Care for a Stroke Patient at Home
If you are caring for a stroke patient at home, you may have a lot of questions about whether your loved one will recover and what their needs will be in the months and years ahead. You may also ask about how you will manage your new role.
Despite the challenges of caregiving, many people report that they appreciate life more and feel positive about being able to help.
As a caregiver, it can be all too easy to make your loved one the focus of your life but it’s vital to ask for help. You can’t do it alone. Here are some suggestions that can help you balance the needs of the stroke patient with your own health and happiness.
Coming Home After a Stroke
Before your loved one is discharged from the hospital or rehab center, request a discharge plan from the healthcare professionals. It will include information on medication, appointments, rehabilitation, precautions, useful devices, and who to contact if there's any questions. Heart & Stroke suggests involving the stroke survivor and family in discharge planning.
Consider Safety and Access
Get an occupational therapist assessment to determine if you need to do anything to make the home safer. An occupational therapist can advise on possible changes which would improve safety and independence.
You may need to move the bedroom to another floor to avoid stairs, install a stairlift, remove rugs to prevent falls, or install grab bars and seats in the bathroom and shower.
Ensure that things you use all the time are within arm’s reach and that there is nothing blocking your path. Don’t attempt any walking or transfers without being instructed on how to do so by the rehab team.
Assess Daily Care Needs
The stroke survivor may need the following:
- Personal care such as bathing and dressing
- Coordination of health care needs including medications and doctor and rehab appointments
- Supervision, depending on whether your loved one is safe at home alone
- Exercise and physio
- Meal preparation and assistance in movement, toileting and communication
- Emotional support and companionship
Remember that you can’t do everything (or at least, not in the long term). Try to be realistic with yourself about what you can take on and what you may need help with.
Make a daily schedule according to the care plan and the ability level of your loved one. Encourage independence when it is safe to do so rather than always doing everything for them.
Encourage Rehabilitation Exercise at Home
If you are reading this while your loved one is in a rehabilitation facility, book time to observe and take part in a couple of therapy sessions before your loved one comes home. This way, you can see what the rehabilitation sessions look like and how the exercises are performed safely.
Ask the rehab therapist any questions about what is happening and how to perform the exercises so you feel comfortable at home. Also ask for photocopies of the exercise plan and anything else that will be helpful for when you are on your own.
Keeping up with exercises and rehab at-home is of utmost importance. It is key to maintaining, and further improving, the post-stroke ability regained in the hospital.
You should only help with the exercises suggested by the stroke survivor’s physiotherapist, occupational therapist or other health practitioner. Stroke rehabilitation can be done at home either through outpatient care or through in-home rehabilitation experts. According to Heart & Stroke , stroke rehabilitation can also involve doing certain exercises at home.
Be Prepared for Behaviour or Mood Changes
The losses from stroke, whether temporary or permanent, can be devastating to the survivor. There are a lot of possible changes in behaviour or mood swings.
A stroke may impact mood, personality, memory and communication. Please be patient, give more time for responses and do not assume that inability to communicate is indicative of not understanding.
Consult with a doctor if you see ongoing symptoms of sadness, anxiety, withdrawal, or lack of interest. It is very important to provide the family and caregiver with information and emotional support.
Be Aware of the Risk of Another Stroke
Always remember that your loved one who had a stroke is at a higher risk for a second stroke, so it’s important to help minimize that risk.
When caring for a stroke patient at home, be sure your loved one takes medications as prescribed and keeps doctor appointments.
Recognize the symptoms of stroke and dial 911 immediately if they arise. Don’t wait to see if the symptoms disappear on their own. Follow the advice of your healthcare providers about how to handle medications, medical issues, and any other risk factors.
Taking Care of Yourself
The more you care for yourself, the better you can care for your loved one. Exhausting yourself won’t allow you to provide the loving help you want to give. It’s not selfish to take time for your needs — it’s essential, and beneficial, for both of you.
Every caregiver needs respite. You need to take care of yourself as well as your loved one.
Remember that you have a right to your own time and activities. Plan time apart and recharge your batteries by having respite care that allows you to participate in your own activities.
Request family members, friends or professional caregivers to help with certain tasks. This might involve assistance with personal care, preparing food, transportation to appointments or general companionship.
Consult with a doctor if caring for your loved one has affected your health or well-being in any way. Caregiver support is a crucial aspect of any safe stroke management plan.
Get Support Caring for a Stroke Patient at Home
Hiring home care services in Toronto to help care for your loved one will support you both. Whether you need at-home nursing or basic PSW elderly care, Guardian Home Care Toronto can help.
Personal care, mobility, daily activities, medication reminders, companionship, and respite for family members can be provided by Guardian Home Care. The right services will vary based on the care plan of the stroke victim.
Contact Us
If you’d like to know more about high quality homecare services, please contact us. A member of our care team would be glad to answer your questions and make personalized recommendations. We look forward to speaking with you soon.