How to Help a Loved One Recover from a Stroke

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

Stroke, a particular type of cerebrovascular lesion, can cause quite varied psychophysical symptoms depending on the area of the brain affected. It is a traumatic experience both for the person who experiences it and for friends and family, who have to adapt to this new situation. In fact, changes must be made (which can be temporary or permanent) to assist your loved one during the recovery. It is important to always remember that over time it will likely have a natural recovery and that with therapy it can improve even more. While you help him heal, it is essential that you take care of yourself as well.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Helping Your Loved One Overcome Obstacles

Step 1. Make your home easier for the patient to move around

Each stroke victim suffers different consequences, but hemiparesis, or paresis limited to only one half of the body (it can also affect only the arm or leg), is quite common. Problems with balance and coordination are also common. As a result, adjustments may need to be made to ensure that your loved one (possibly with walking difficulties) can access your home easily. When making changes to fit your loved one's needs, consider the following ideas:

• If the house is on two floors, move the bed to the ground floor: the patient will avoid climbing the stairs, decreasing the chances of falling.
• The direct path to all main rooms (including bedroom, bathroom and kitchen) must be free from obstructions. If there are fewer things around, it is less likely to fall. This also means removing the carpets.
• Set up a seat in the shower for him to sit on while washing. Also install handrails, which will come in handy when he gets in and out of the tub or shower cubicle. If necessary, also add them next to the toilet to help him sit up and stand up.
• Prepare a pan next to the bed. Encourage him to use it, especially when he loses his balance or feels disoriented, as it helps prevent falls that could make the situation worse.
• If you can't avoid the stairs, install handrails to help him go up and down. The physical therapist should work with the patient to re-teach him to move in his own space, including climbing stairs.

Step 2. Help him move

For those who survive a stroke, one of the most common challenges is mobility problems. A person who was once quite dynamic and independent may end up walking slowly and uncertainly, or it is possible that they are almost completely bedridden. You must therefore remember that for some time your loved one will need assistance to get around.

• Specific devices can be used to facilitate mobility. To find out which ones are best suited to your loved one's needs, consult a physical therapist. Depending on the severity of the situation, it may be necessary to use a wheelchair, walker or cane.
• Support and encourage your loved one when they try to move. Congratulate him every time he gains more autonomy from these devices.

Step 3. Create a safe environment

After a stroke, falls and accidents are unfortunately very common. To prevent further side effects or complications related to stroke (but which are not a direct result of stroke), its safety must become a priority.

• Mount handrails around the patient's bed and lower the bed level as needed. At night, the handrails should be raised to prevent falls due to loss of balance or disorientation, while the bed can be lowered to help him get on and off more easily.
• If an object that is used frequently (such as pots and pans) is in a difficult-to-access location (such as a tall cabinet), move it. Commonly used items should be placed in places that the dear can can access easily.
• Try to be there to help prune trees, shovel snow, paint the house, or do any other activity that increases the risk of having an accident after a stroke.

Step 4. Learn techniques to help him eat and feed

"Dysphagia" is the medical term used to describe a person who has difficulty swallowing. After a stroke, eating or drinking can become difficult because the muscles involved in chewing and swallowing can weaken (this is especially true soon after stroke). Consequently, it is important to help him adopt new eating and drinking habits so that he gets all the necessary nutrients.

• After a stroke, it is normal for the patient to use a nasogastric tube in the early stages. However, in particularly severe cases, it will be necessary to use it permanently so that the patient can receive the necessary nutrients.
• If the percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) procedure is used, i.e. a tube is inserted directly into the stomach, make sure it is intact, functioning properly, protected from infection and not being pulled by the patient.
• Your loved one will need to undergo a test called a swallow study, which allows the doctor to assess their ability to ingest food. The specialist also uses speech therapy and x-rays to determine if it is safe for the patient to switch from liquids to thick and soft foods.
• Once your loved one can eat without the assistance of a medical device, switch to thick, soft foods. When the patient begins to be fed orally, he should start with this type of food to prevent aspiration pneumonia. There are liquid thickeners on the market that can help you make soups and juices thicker. You can also use products like gelatin, cornmeal, and oats.
• While your loved one eats, ask him to stand up straight to prevent aspiration pneumonia, a result of abnormal entry of food into the lungs. Since the muscles involved in swallowing are weak, eating position is really important. In this way, meals will take place in complete safety and will be a pleasant time of the day.

Step 5. See if you have incontinence problems

A stroke can change your bladder and bowel control. Various problems can therefore arise (such as infections or sores), not to mention that the situation can become a sore point or a source of great embarrassment. As you care for your loved one, it is important to recognize if they have any such difficulties and to address them together with them so that you can help them on the road to recovery.

• If you are unable to use the bed pan or go to the bathroom, you can use adult diapers, which are readily available at the drugstore or supermarket. If necessary, encourage your loved one to put them on until they regain control over their body.
• You will need to assist your loved one by making sure the diaper is changed immediately after defecation, otherwise pressure sores, sores and infections could form in the area.

Step 6. Deal with communication problems

Most stroke survivors have difficulty with this, at least temporarily. The severity of the stroke determines the degree of disability. Some patients cannot express themselves correctly, while others have problems with understanding. Due to paralysis, some are unable to pronounce words well, even though they have no cognitive problems. It is important to help your loved one cope with communication difficulties.

• Before assuming it is a speech disorder, make sure your loved one has no hearing difficulties. These can also cause communication problems and can often be solved with the use of a hearing aid.
• Learn about the different communication problems. For example, recognize if your loved one has aphasia (can think clearly, but has difficulty speaking or understanding language) or apraxia (has difficulty merging sounds correctly).
• Use short words and non-verbal communication tricks, such as gesturing with your hands, nodding or denying your head, pointing with your finger, or showing objects. You shouldn't ask him too many questions at a time, plus give him enough time to answer. In this case, any form of communication is valid.
• To communicate, you can use visual tools, such as tables, alphabet tables, electronic media, objects and images. They will help your loved one fight the frustration of not being able to communicate effectively.

Step 7. Determine a routine to make him feel comfortable

Learning daily habits can make communication disabilities less frustrating. If your loved one knows what they will be doing throughout the day, they will prepare for these activities and their family will be ready to meet their needs. This can relieve stress for both the patient and carer.

Step 8. See if there are any emotional changes

In addition to the physical consequences, stroke can have effects that affect emotions. First, it is possible that personality changes may occur that could have a negative impact on interpersonal relationships. Second, post-stroke mood disorders can occur, including depression, anxiety, and pseudobulbar syndrome (PBA). To care for your loved one, it is important to be attentive and to observe any emotional changes they face.

• Depression affects one to two-thirds of stroke survivors, while PBA affects approximately one-quarter or one-half of survivors.
• If necessary, help him undergo treatment. Medicines and psychotherapy have benefited many survivors numerous. To find out more, contact the ASL.

Part 2 of 3: Helping Your Loved One Cope With Therapy

Step 1. Memorize your medication and therapy schedule

Once you are discharged from the hospital, it is your responsibility to know the necessary medications and treatments. Your role is important and should not be taken lightly. If you help your loved one to consistently follow a therapy program, it will benefit enormously.

• Make a list of all medicines and their times of use. Make sure you always have the necessary medications on hand. Getting organized is very important to avoid delays and setbacks.
• Understand the side effects of medications prescribed to your loved one. Watch it carefully to see if they manifest.
• Ask your doctor for explanations on how to administer the medicines. You need to know if they should be given orally or if they should be chopped up and added to food. It is also necessary to understand whether they should be taken after meals or on an empty stomach.
• You also need to take him to all appointments made with his doctor to deal with any problems that arise during rehabilitation right away. By avoiding postponement, complications can be prevented. You will likely need to remind him of appointments and accompany him to the doctor.
• To easily remember your medication times and other commitments, use a diary or set reminders on your mobile. Look for apps that notify you when a certain drug should be taken. Also keep a calendar in plain sight.
• If you make a mistake, forgive yourself. Don't get mad at yourself when you're late to give him a pill or take him to a session. Guilt won't help your loved one or yourself.

Step 2. Learn about exercises and physiotherapy activities

It is useful to attend at least one session to become more familiar with the exercises and activities that the patient must practice at home. While the specialist performs a movement with your loved one, try to imitate him.

It is useful to learn the exercises in the presence of a specialist. He will be able to correct you or allow you to improve, so that you can help your loved one during the execution

Step 3. You should be aware of the rehabilitation goals determined by the specialist and the patient

If you know what the expected outcomes are, you will better understand the estimated time for rehabilitation and progress. You will also be able to encourage your loved one while performing the exercises.

• Encourage him not to give up. After a stroke, rehabilitation can be very difficult, so it is important to encourage him to fight to achieve his goals.
• After a stroke, it is often possible to regain one's skills within six months or a year. It is very important to constantly follow the therapy to see progress.
• Recognize the improvements, but also address the obstacles. If it has been a long time since rehabilitation began and your loved one is showing no signs of improvement, talk to their doctor or physical therapist to change the program.

Step 4. Call your doctor if needed

In some circumstances, an emergency visit will be required during rehabilitation. It's a delicate phase - your loved one is struggling to recover from a severe cerebrovascular injury, so it's especially important to keep an eye on their health.

• Don't ignore any falls. They are quite common during rehabilitation and can cause further damage, making the situation worse. If the patient falls, he should be taken to the hospital for a check-up, in order to rule out any problems.

• After a stroke, the patient is more at risk of suffering another stroke within a year of the first. Recognize the red flags. If you observe the following symptoms, you must be ready to intervene immediately by calling the appropriate person:

  • Facial paralysis;
  • Arm weakness
  • Difficulty speaking
  • Sudden numbness of the face, arm or leg, especially if it affects half of the body
  • Sudden vision difficulties affecting one eye or both
  • Sudden difficulty walking, dizziness, loss of balance
  • Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.

  Part 3 of 3: Demonstrate Your Support

  

  Step 1. Try to be patient

  Make an effort to listen to your loved one, even if he mumbles the words or is not understandable. Remember that he wants to communicate, but he can't, and this can be as frustrating for you as it is for him. Talk to him, even if he is unable to answer. Communication will not be smooth at first, but it is important that the family insist. In fact, this commitment often favors rehabilitation. Having a positive attitude and patience can help your loved one get better sooner.

  

  Step 2. Encourage your loved one

  After a stroke, it takes months or years of rehabilitation for a patient. It is possible that he has to learn everything again and that despite everything he does not go back to being the same as before. Survivors may suffer from depression, refuse to admit reality, or feel lost, overwhelmed and fearful. Consequently, families play a very important role during the recovery phase.

  • It is important that the patient does not feel alone. In the aftermath of a stroke, he will likely worry about various factors: work, how he will take care of himself (or who will), how to finish rehab quickly (and whether he will ever return to "normal").
  • Talk to your loved one to help them express their emotions. Ask him how he feels and try to be optimistic regardless of the situation.

  

  Step 3. Participate firsthand to help him make progress

  Families involved in rehabilitation are a strong and steadfast source of support. Understand the consequences of stroke and talk to doctors to fully determine the chances of recovery. If you understand the healing process better, you can be more understanding and offer more support.

  • Accompany him to physiotherapy sessions. Get involved as much as possible, smile and verbally encourage him. This will show him that his recovery interests you and that you are involved in it.
  • At the same time, remember that the therapy is his, so he must have the ability to make decisions and exercise some control. Don't try to import into his life or treatment: ask him what he wants and offer him as much autonomy as possible.

  

  Step 4. Support her independence

  After a stroke, a patient may feel lost, so do something to help them feel more confident. He may have problems with incontinence, communication and mobility, all of which are taken for granted in daily life. When you can (and when necessary), give it a hand. At the same time, however, encourage and support their independence, whether they want to take a few steps without a walker, answer a phone call or write a note. Since your priority is its safety, you need to consider certain factors:

  • Evaluate the situation (or ask your doctor or physiotherapist for help) to better understand what activities you can do and what you can't or shouldn't do. Being able to make this distinction will help you understand when you can encourage him to be independent without exposing him to unnecessary risk.
  • Encourage him to practice the activities he has learned in rehabilitation sessions. Perform them with him until he can do them himself.
  • Support your rehabilitation decisions. If she wants to do it at home, in the doctor's office or at the hospital, let her make this decision as independently as possible. When he has the opportunity to make choices in full autonomy, the family and specialists can better understand his wishes. If he is committed to taking care of himself, it is easier to give him more independence and to notice progress.

  

  Step 5. Consider joining a support network for survivors and families, for example A. L. I. Ce

  By participating, you can download resources, such as information and practical advice for caregivers, share tips (and receive them), and connect with people who are facing the same situation.

  

  Step 6. Take care of yourself

  All family members who actively participate in the patient's therapy should think of themselves. You should therefore take a break from time to time by asking another family member to help you for a while. To help your loved one, you need to be healthy and happy.