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.
