Stroke recovery looks different for everyone, but the right support at home can make the process much easier. Home care after a stroke can help by
- Assisting with activities of daily living and personal care
- Supporting therapy and recovery routines
- Staying on top of medications and appointments
- Improving home safety
- Providing caregiver respite
Life After a Stroke: 5 Ways Home Care Can Help
A stroke can change a family’s life in an instant. From sudden mobility challenges to speech difficulties, the road to recovery often requires solutions that families aren’t able to consider ahead of time.
Stroke Awareness Month is the perfect time to recognize the ongoing care, patience and companionship that go into stroke recovery. Fortunately, professional services like home care can help make sure that support extends beyond the hospital and that individuals can continue healing in a familiar environment.
Here are some of the ways that home care can make the most immediate impact:
1. Help With Daily Living and Personal Care
After a stroke, everyday tasks can become difficult, or even impossible, to manage alone. Tasks like dressing, bathing, eating or transferring require extra energy and accommodation. Many professional caregivers are specifically trained to help with daily living after a stroke to help affected individuals learn how to deal with their new challenges without sacrificing their dignity or independence. Caregivers can even help with things like meal preparation that adheres to the most recommended nutrition tips after a stroke, laundry and basic housekeeping.
2. Support With Therapeutic Routines
Physical therapy is typically the first recommended course of action in the stroke recovery process. Although physical therapy is often conducted in a clinic, many of the recommended activities should also be continued at home when the right support is available.
Caregivers can help with these activities in between appointments by assisting with light workouts, practicing speech therapy exercises for stroke survivors, and encouraging movements that improve range of motion and strength.
3. Medication Management and Transportation
Not only can caregivers assist with physical therapy in between appointments, but they can also assist with transportation to and from rehab appointments.
Once at the clinic, caregivers can also provide an extra set of ears to take note of any recommended medications or courses of actions. Caregivers can be instrumental in setting medication reminders after a stroke, making sure their client is on track in their rehabilitation process and ensuring that medications aren’t causing any unintended side effects.
4. Creating a Safe Home Environment
In instances where a stroke affects mobility or balance, home safety becomes paramount. Caregivers are often able to help make simple changes around the home to allow for easier accessibility and to reduce the risk of falls.
Some easy at-home post-stroke safety strategies include:
- Removing tripping hazards like throw rugs, clutter or other obstacles.
- Installing grab bars, non-slip mats and other assistive devices for stroke survivors, like shower chairs and walkers.
- Moving frequently used items to more accessible locations and centralizing important daily needs to one main floor.
5. Improving Caregiver Well-Being and Providing Respite
Even if you aren’t the one who directly had a stroke, providing care for a stroke survivor can still be physically and emotionally draining. Over time, many family caregivers experience stress, fatigue and eventual burnout from their new responsibilities.
Although your loved one may need your help in several areas, you don’t have to be the sole care provider. Professional caregivers like those at SYNERGY HomeCare are more than willing to step in and provide essential stroke caregiver support by giving you a moment to yourself, while they provide companionship and assistance to your loved one. Respite for stroke caregivers is essential for family members to be able to rest and recharge, without letting their loved one’s needs slip out of focus.
If you or your loved one feels that you could benefit from respite care services while navigating the stroke recovery process, visit https://synergyhomecare.com/ or call 877-432-2692.
You can also click here to learn more about how SYNERGY HomeCare can support stroke recovery.
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SYNERGY HomeCare offers no obligation home assessments. Find a location near you or contact us to learn how we can provide additional support to you and your loved ones.
