Many patients will experience different symptoms and limitations following a stroke. In some cases, it can lead to partial paralysis, speech impairment, cognitive issues and other complications. In order to provide someone with the right level of care at home, you’ll need to speak with their medical professional to get all the details regarding their condition. Once you have a clear understanding of their needs after being discharged from the hospital, refer to the tips below to aid in your caregiving endeavors.

Assist with Physical Movement and Recovery Exercises

The recovery of mobility, when possible, is crucial after suffering a stroke. Since impaired motor functions are one of the most common conditions that stroke patients face, the best way to help is to kindly support and assist them in moving their body each day with appropriate mobility exercises. The patient’s healthcare provider can give you specific instructions on the exercises most beneficial for strengthening their motor skills and muscle memory.

Create a Daily Routine

Routines can be very helpful for relearning basic skills, ideal for keeping a loved one on the road to recovery as much as possible. We recommend creating a basic schedule that includes small skills to build on with baby steps. Also include their daily exercises to practice movement regularly, in addition to independent actions that they can perform. The trick is to not overwhelm or easily frustrate them, so don’t overdo it on any given day.

Be Patient and Positive

Strokes can cause a widespread amount of damage, impacting their ability to communicate properly, which can be difficult and frustrating for them and you. Not being able to perform basic daily tasks can also cause overwhelming emotions and depression. It’s important during these moments to give your loved one the room to breathe and express their emotions. Try to remain positive with them, encouraging them to focus on every bit of progress, and consider keeping a journal of their progress if need be.

Provide Healthy Wholesome Meals

Getting proper nutrition after suffering from a stroke is essential for assisting and enhancing the patient’s recovery process. Focus on providing them with plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts and seeds, as well as low-fat or lean protein sources. A dietary aide or nutritionist can be a helpful ally in this regard.

Attend Checkups with Doctor

If the doctor recommends checkups, don’t skip them. Even if it seems as though your loved one is making good progress, stroke patients are at a higher risk of experiencing a second stroke. Ensure they are eating right, exercising, taking their prescribed medications, and attending any follow-up appointments.

Remind Them of Happier Times

To help ease the mental hurdles that come along with any recovery process, remind your loved one of happier times by going through old photographs, retelling their favourite stories, and engaging in any other activities that will shed some positive light. Playing music, watching movies that they love together, having family visits and doing anything to get them to laugh are all suitable approaches. These can be some of the best ways to boost their frame of mind and aid the recovery process.

Care for Yourself

Just like we’re told on airplanes to put your oxygen mask on first before helping anyone, the same applies to this situation. If you’re not taking care of yourself, you won’t be able to offer a genuine level of care to your loved one. So don’t neglect your own needs. Take time to rest, relax, exercise, and engage in activities to give your mind a break from reality. Self care is not selfish, as it’s necessary for you both. 

Need a hand with post-stroke recovery planning or caregiving for your loved one? You don’t have to deal with it alone. C-Care Health Services can provide your loved one with the assistance they need with ease and attentiveness! Get in touch with us to learn more about our customized in-home caregiving options.

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When a loved one suffers a stroke, it can be life-altering. Due to the complications that typically follow this, patients can often be functionally disabled, requiring an extensive amount of care for their recovery. In addition to the challenges they will face, it can also be incredibly difficult for family members who need to step in and provide round-the-clock care, all while juggling their day-to-day responsibilities at the same time. 

The combination of change and emotional trauma can be overwhelming, to say the least. Thankfully, there are stroke recovery and rehabilitation options for ageing adults that can help ease this process. Let’s examine some of the disabilities that can arise from a stroke and explore these recovery options below.

Disabilities that Can Arise from a Stroke

It’s important to note that, like all medical events, the severity of complications that follow can vary based on each individual. With that said, strokes can lead to a wide range of disabilities that can be broken down into these main categories:

Problems with Motor Control

Partial paralysis and/or problems controlling movement or weakness on one side of the body are most common for severe cases. This can lead to difficulties with walking, balance, and even swallowing.

Chronic Pain or Numbness

Chronic pain in the joints, numbness, or tingling sensations in the limbs can also occur. In some situations, the lack of feeling and mobility could lead to incontinence.

Impaired Communication

Many stroke victims can experience impaired verbal communication, preventing them from being able to speak. Some may not be able to write or understand spoken language at all.

Problems with Memory and Emotions

Since a stroke damages parts of the brain, it can affect memory and/or awareness. It may also create emotional disturbances.

In-Home Stroke Recovery and Rehabilitation Options 

Next, here are the two in-home options that could be possible depending on the patient’s circumstances. These will of course depend on how severe the complications are after the stroke.

In-Home Rehabilitation Programs

For those with mild effects following a stroke, in-home rehabilitation could be a viable option. Patients can sometimes perform designated exercises offered by their doctor and physical therapist to help them regain control and strength. Home-based rehabilitation programs can be tailored to different patients based on their needs.

In-Home Nursing Care

In-home caregiving with regular visits from a qualified nurse is another good option for those who require additional services for daily care. Experienced nurses can provide a more thorough and professional rehabilitation regime, complete with guided therapy.

If your ageing loved one has experienced a stroke and you need assistance for their daily care and rehabilitation, we can help at C-Care Health Services. We have dedicated, caring nurses who can provide the support that’s needed to help them on the road to recovery. Get in touch with us today for assistance!

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To understand how to care for a stroke patient at home, it’s important to first understand their unique condition and needs. Before being discharged from the hospital, their healthcare provider will inform you of this and usually provide a thorough plan of what they’ll need to aid in their recovery. Keep in mind that the level of care will vary depending on the extent of damage from the stroke. Here are some common steps that are usually a part of common care plans.

Encourage Daily Movement and Exercise

It’s common for many stroke patients to experience mobility impairments, but with regular movement and exercise, this can gradually improve. Even basic movement like walking is beneficial to do on a daily basis with stroke victims. This will help to bring back muscle memory and strengthen motor skills. 

Make Sure They Eat a Healthy and Wholesome Diet 

Stroke victims are often at a high risk of having another stroke. To minimize this risk, make sure your loved one eats a healthy and wholesome diet to get the right balance of vitamins and nutrients to keep their health at an optimal level.

Make Sure They Take Necessary Medications

Any medications should also be diligently taken as prescribed by their doctor. We recommend creating a schedule to remember what they need to take and when.

Attend Regular Visits with Their Healthcare Provider

Stroke patients will need to be carefully monitored by their healthcare provider. Always make sure to attend regular visits as recommended by their doctor.

Focus on Positive Memories

Depression is a common occurrence for stroke patients which can hinder their ability to recover. One way to curb this is to focus on positive memories with them, get them outside in nature as much as possible, and consult with a healthcare provider to develop a plan of action if needed.

Take Care of Yourself

You can’t expect to take care of a loved one if you don’t take the time to care for yourself. It’s imperative to take breaks, make time for rest and relaxation, eat well, exercise, and ask for help when you need it.

At C-Care Health Services, we know that caring for a loved one after a stroke can be a very challenging experience. When you need help, get in touch with our friendly and caring team of health professionals. We’ve been delivering affordable and reliable home care services throughout the GTA for years, and we can do the same for your family.

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The damage caused by a stroke can be quite debilitating, requiring extensive recovery time. For many stroke survivors, everyday tasks like bathing and dressing can become difficult to perform on their own. Some will also experience problems with their memory, speech and motor skills, making it challenging to move or control certain parts of their body. If you or a loved one has suffered a stroke, the path to recovery can be long and frustrating, but there’s help just around the corner. Find out how a private care nurse can help.

Monitoring

Once someone has a stroke, their risk of having another one increases. That’s why it’s important to have someone available to monitor their systems to prevent a future stroke from happening. Hiring a private care nurse who is medically trained and has experience managing the risk factors can help to prevent another stroke while ensuring their recovery remains on the right path.

Therapeutic Treatments

The healthcare team will also develop strategies and therapies to begin the rehabilitation process. Appropriate therapeutic treatments, such as physical therapy, speech training, and occupational therapy can be provided to help them relearn any vital skills they may have lost following the stroke and further support their recovery.

Assisting with Daily Needs

Many stroke survivors also lose their independence because they often lose their ability to take proper care of themselves. Until these abilities have been regained, assistance with daily activities is usually required. Care workers can help those in rehabilitation with any day to day tasks that they can no longer do alone such as bathing, grocery shopping, eating or moving from the bed to the bathroom.

Support for Loved Ones

It’s not easy watching a loved one struggle after a stroke. It can incite anxiety, fear, and even depression in family members. A private care nurse can help provide emotional support to family and friends who are also going through a difficult time with the rehabilitation process.

Stroke rehabilitation takes time and can often be a frustrating experience. If this sounds familiar, allow us help. At C-Care we can assist in the recovery process by providing expert care. Our registered nurses and certified personal support workers will provide all the assistance that your loved one needs. From helping with meal preparation to dressing to walking to running errands, and monitoring their recovery, our care team is here to help your loved one get back on their feet. Contact us today!

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A stroke can cause a number of life-changing effects. Some people are left unable to speak, whereas others may have issues with memory or may seem more irritable. Every survivor experiences different outcomes depending on what part of the brain was damaged during the stroke. Recovery also varies, so it’s important to be patient and get the right support during their rehabilitation. To learn more about what you can expect and how life changes following a stroke, read on.

Emotional and Behavioral Changes

A stroke directly impacts the brain, and the brain is, of course, what controls our emotions and behaviours. So when the brain experiences an injury, such as a stroke, there can be biochemical changes that lead to episodes of anger, anxiety, irritability, depression or confusion. You or a loved one may also experience lethargy, depression, and even a loss of interest in engaging in regular activities. Fortunately, symptoms can improve over time with the right care.

Memory Changes

Sometimes a stroke can also impact the memory of a survivor. They may be more forgetful or even neglectful at times. Stroke survivors can also develop vascular dementia which can impact their memory, judgement, and even behaviour.  

Lifestyle Changes

It’s not uncommon for someone to need extensive recovery time and rehab support after a stroke. The brain may need to relearn old skills, and the survivor may not be able to perform all of those simple tasks that they used to do, like walking, speaking, bathing, feeding or getting dressed. The situation is different for everyone, and a post-stroke care plan should be put in place to carefully meet the needs and interests of the patient in rehabilitation.

Relationship Changes

Caregivers and family also experience many difficult changes following a stroke. Watching a loved one struggle and act like a different person can be very challenging to endure. Taking care of a stroke survivor can also be difficult in itself. That’s why having a trained private caregiver can make a world of difference.

Strokes are life-changing events. At C-Care, we provide the appropriate level of care required for your family member after a stroke. Whether they need hospital care or in-home care, we can provide the support needed to help get families back on their feet. Our team is professionally trained to help stroke patients regain their independence and quality of life. Speak to one of our agents today to find out more about our reliable private health care services.

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Going by statistics, roughly 800,000 persons in the US become victims of stroke each year, making this an average of one person suffering from a stroke every 4 minutes. Not surprisingly, this has become the leading cause of disability and is among the top five leading causes of death in the US. And for most of those who survive, a host of life-time debilitating conditions persist – from changes in mobility, speech, bowel functions and more.

Suffering a stroke though, does not mean an end to living, in general. With the right care and early treatment the damage can be minimized; in fact, victims can even recover completely from a stroke.
If you or your loved one has suffered a stroke, here is a 6-Step Process designed to help you on the road to recovery:

1. Safety Measures Post-Stroke
   The type of stroke, the level of injury to the brain, treatment provided, and personal health background are factors that have an impact on the recovery of the stroke victim. Post stroke an individual may suffer weakness, paralysis, coordination issues, numbness, bowel or bladder control or even memory issues.

   So it becomes essential to make the house a safer zone for the stroke-affected person. Here are some tips to keep in mind –

   • Wear flat shoes, avoid heals and narrow tight-fitted footwear
   • Use hand railings while climbing the stairs
   • Remove loose carpets and mats which may cause tripping.
   • Take medication on time and keep an eye out for any changes in the sleep cycle or diet
   • Clear the path to bedroom, bathroom and kitchen for any unnecessary blockages
   • If you still see warning signs such as drooping facial muscles, or speech difficulties, call 911 immediately
2. Acceptance and Support

   As a first-time stroke victim on the path to recovery, it may particularly be difficult for you to come to terms with this new reality. It is important that you try your best to stay calm and controlled, and gather the mental strength needed perceive your current situation from a different lens, but with a new hope. The collective support of family, friends and other near and dear ones is most needed.

   Try to understand and analyze what caused the stroke. Do not let stress and depression take over you or your loved one. Monitor the patient closely and give them the requisite care.

3. Recovery Plan

   Once you have acknowledged the issue it is important to devise a robust recovery plan, which can set you on the path to faster healing and an improved, healthy life. Rehabilitation typically begins within two days after a stroke has occurred, and must continue even post your release from the hospital, till you can function independently. If you think rehab care in the hospital makes you feel more depressed and dependent, you can opt for home therapy or outpatient therapy as well. Do not delay in consulting a physiotherapist, dietician and a counselor, if required.

4. Lifestyle Changes
   This is one of the major pillars in the recovery process. No recovery plan will yield the desired results if lifestyle changes are not invested in. Here is a list of must-dos post stroke:·
   • Exercise – Incorporate any form of physical activity in your daily routine. Instead of engaging in heavy exercise thrice a week, go for a mild, yet daily workout routine. Consistency is the key. Walk, jog, swim, or do yoga, but make it a point to move your body.
   • Have a Healthy Diet – Have healthy wholesome meals regularly and at right intervals. Include ample portions of fruits and vegetables, protein and iron, as well as nuts and whole grains in your daily diet.
   • Control Blood Pressure- Keeping our blood pressure in check helps reduce the risk of another stroke. Lowering the consumption of sodium, alcohol and cigarette and maintaining an ideal weight helps keep the BP in check.
   • Reduce Consumption of Alcohol- Control the amount of alcohol that you consume. Though giving it up entirely is always best, you can still start slow and reduce the intake gradually. The same goes for cigarettes, tobacco and other drugs.
   • Control Diabetes – If you are a diabetes patient as well, try your level best to keep sugar levels in control. Make necessary dietary changes and be regular with the medication.
5. Social Interaction

   As a stroke victim, you may be experiencing anxiety, depression, self-loathing, self-pity and stress. It is therefore vital that you do not cut yourself off from society and suffer in isolation. Indulge in activities and events that connect you with family, friends and the society. Be part of social groups with people sporting similar interests, learn and share experiences and emotions. Understand that you are not alone in the journey. There are many like you sailing along.

   Keeping social interaction as a part of your recovery process can aid in faster healing, and bringing about enhanced mobility, improved memory and speech and more.

6. Take Control

   It is important that you stay positive and take charge of your life and let a stroke hinder your spirit. The goal is to crush any negative self-talk about post-stroke effects you may have heard of or read, and believe you can completely recover and reclaim your life.

   Are you or your loved one trying to recover from a stroke and find new hope? At C-Care, we provide Registered Nurses and certified Personal Support Workers that can aid in rehabilitation of stroke victims and help them regain their independence. A comprehensive personalized recovery plan – which includes therapy, daily assistance activities, and attention to mental health issues – is assured to every stroke victim.

   Call us today at 1-416-724-2273 or contact us here for a free consultation.

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Rehabilitation

Stroke recovery can take time – but perhaps more disheartening is the emotional and physical toll of seeing how one switches from normally functioning to a debilitating state in an instant, suddenly becoming reliant on others’ care. Unfortunately, strokes can occur to anyone of any age and usually affects not only the patient but also their family and loved ones. Depending on the severity of the stroke, below is a list of therapies that a recovering stroke patient may require:

• Physical Therapy
  Depending on the type and severity of the stroke, patients may need physical therapy to relearn movements and coordination needed for basic tasks like walking.
• Speech Therapy
  Strokes can affect a patient’s ability to communicate and understand speech and thus, may require speech therapy to either regain their speaking – or other communicative – abilities.
• Occupational Therapy
  Stroke patients often need help to relearn everyday tasks like eating, dressing, cooking, bathing, writing etc., plus to regain the ability to function on their own.
• Support Groups
  Stroke not only affects patients physically but mentally, as well.

It can be depressing and frustrating to have to rely on others for simple, mandatory tasks like eating or bathing. Support groups can help ease this pain sharing common experiences can reassure one another by knowing they are not alone and see others who have been where they are.

Rehabilitation Centres

Many stroke patients will require long-term care during and after recovery, either at home or in rehabilitation centres. Patients who suffered mild strokes may be able to go home and have a healthcare provider visit to help monitor prescriptions and with household chores, bathing, etc. Patients who suffered severe strokes may need to spend time in a rehabilitation center where they can be constantly be under skilled nursing care and receive therapies as needed. Rehabilitation centers are also a good choice for patients who lack the necessary help from family or friends that home care would require.

For more information, call C-Care today at 1-416-724-2273 or contact us here.

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The effects of a stroke can vary based on severity, but even minor symptoms can still leave people weak in their arms or legs. More severe strokes can leave people completely paralyzed on one side of the body and completely disabled. The frightening part of having a stroke is that there is no prior warning.

However, the good news is that strokes can be prevented, and one key element to this is your diet. Here are some food items that have been negatively associated with an increase in stroke risk.

Processed Foods That Contain Trans Fat

Processed foods or junk foods, such as crackers, chips, store-bought goods and fried foods, typically contain a lot of trans fat, a very dangerous type of fat because it increases inflammation in the body. It is this increase in the inflammation of the body, a foundation of many diseases, that is linked to increased stroke risk and also many other serious, life-threatening diseases as well.

Smoked And Processed Meats

There are certain preservatives found in smoked and processed meats — namely sodium nitrite and nitrate — that damage your blood vessels and thus increase your stroke risk. Not only that, but nitrates convert into nitrosamines which have been linked to certain cancers as well. Examples of smoked and processed meats include hot dogs, bacon and salami. Ideally, you would limit smoked and processed meats completely from your diet. However, if this cannot be done, at least ensure that you limit their quantities, as well as ensure that your meat is grass-fed, organic, free of nitrates and is labelled as 100 percent beef.

Table Salt

By salt, this means processed salt found in packaged foods and table salt. Natural, unrefined salt, such as Himalayan salt, is not associated with increased stroke risk and can be used to flavour food. In fact, natural salt can even help to regulate your blood pressure.

Stroke patients can greatly benefit from personalized stroke care. C-Care Health Services offers a variety of affordable, personalized and high-quality services. Contact us today to learn more.

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• Sadness, Low Mood, Loss Of Interest, Inability To Manage Life

  Sadness, a low mood, a loss of interest in things that once interested them, as well as an inability to manage their lives are both emotional and behavioural changes that can occur after a stroke. They are all symptoms of depression, which is the most common emotional change that can occur after a stroke. Typically this occurs because the person has suffered a loss of independence in the process, but there are other factors at play, too.

• Restlessness, “On Edge,” Tired

  These are three additional behavioural changes that can occur after a stroke. Typically, it is caused by a sense of anxiety. Not only does anxiety change behaviour, but it can also change a person emotionally, causing them to be more nervous or stressed for a period of at least six months.

• Personality Changes

  Personality changes can affect behaviour in a variety of ways and are very typical after a stroke. They can include anger or irritability, which may affect one’s behaviour by causing them to lash out at others when they normally wouldn’t. Some people may be unable to control their emotions, which means they could break out into tears or laughter without being able to control it. Aggression can also occur after a stroke and may result in violent and verbal behaviour changes, such as hitting, biting or verbal insults. Impulsivity may cause people to do things without thinking or engage in unsafe behaviour.

• Neglect: An Attentional Disorder

  Neglect is an attentional disorder that results in a person ignoring one side of his or her body. Keep in mind that this disorder usually only affects those who have had a right-hemisphere stroke, causing them to ignore things on the left side. This could mean that they might not recognize their arm or leg or they might ignore the food on the left side of their plate. This disorder can be improved by encouraging the stroke survivor to pay attention to the left side in an encouraging way.

• Cognitive Challenges

  A stroke can cause various cognitive challenges. This might include memory problems or difficulties solving problems, as well as difficulties with being able to communicate.

C-Care Health Services offers a variety of affordable, personalized and high quality services. Contact us today to learn more.

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The effects of a stroke can severely impact the person who has experienced the stroke and their loved ones. The recovery period can be long and many obstacles may arise along the way.

Understanding the following three tips for an effective stroke recovery gives you the tools and resources you need to care for your loved one.

1. 1. Understand the Effects of a Stroke

In order to ensure an effective stroke recovery, family members and caregivers must have an understanding of strokes and their impacts.

A stroke occurs when the brain is unable to get the oxygen it needs to function. This typically occurs when blood flow is obstructed. It can lead to long-term damage that requires a significant level of rehabilitation and care.

Also, secondary symptoms can arise when recovering from a stroke. These include feelings of depression and cognitive issues such as memory loss and difficulties with speech.

1. Have the Right Support Team in Place

The stroke recovery period consists of a wide range of needs that must be met. Although home caregivers may be able to meet these needs, the use of other facilities and health practitioners ensures a full recovery.

Utilizing the right support team provides the right services to your loved one and makes the process easier for family members who must provide care.

The right support team also provides these and other services to improve the outcome of the recovery. Healthcare practitioners who take part in this process include doctors, physiotherapists, and speech and occupational therapists.

2. Know the Individual’s Needs After a Stroke

Knowing what needs must be met is essential to the recovery process. Many family caregivers haven’t received the education and resources to fully understand what is needed when recovering from a stroke.

An individual may need to be bathed, dressed, and fed. Their daily habits may require some level of supervision and guidance. Any appointments with rehabilitation therapists or doctors must be organized and completed over time.

Exercise is important to those who are recovering from a stroke. Rehabilitation specialists typically prescribe exercise programs to use during the recovery period. Putting this program into practice helps people regain their mobility and function.

You should take the time to assess all of the needs of your loved one. By identifying the most important factors that must be in place, you’ll provide the best care possible for an effective stroke recovery.

Consider the person’s personal, medical, financial, and emotional needs. Understanding that effective care consists of a wide range of aspects of a person’s life is the foundation of a successful stroke recovery.

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