The 6-Step Process of Stroke Recovery

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel carrying blood and oxygen to the brain gets blocked or ruptured. With the brain cells getting deprived of blood and oxygen, the nerve cells stop working and die within minutes. The part of the brain they control also stops functioning. This effect can be permanent depending on how many cells are lost.

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.