Stroke Caregiving

Annually, 800,000 people have strokes and more than half of them over the age of 65 will have permanent damage that results in mobility problems and disability. As a result, people who are post stroke require the help of caregivers to continue their lives in the community. There are services and therapies that can help maximize a patient’s ability to be as independent as possible, but for most of the time the family caregiver is the one who will become the source of support: physically, socially, and behaviorally, following the stroke.

It is essential that caregivers familiarize themselves with “tips” about post stroke care to ensure they can manage caregiver responsibilities.

Medication management is necessary to reduce the risk of a second stroke. It is critical that you are aware of all the medications your relative is taking, prescription and over-the-counter (OTC), and that they are in compliance with the doctor’s plan for medications. Common OTC medications, such as aspirin could cause interactions with prescribed medications. Inform the doctor about all medications. Make a written plan of medications that are prescribed and follow the plan as ordered. Keeping a medication log each time you give a pill to your relative will help you avoid missing a dose or giving the same dose twice. The death rate and recovery rate of strokes has improved dramatically over the past several decades and that is because the medications associated with stroke management have improved. You want to have the maximum benefit from medication and that requires taking them as prescribed.

Eating a healthy diet reduces salt intake, and exercising daily, helps control blood pressure, and that is vital in preventing another stroke.

There are many types of strokes, depending upon where in the brain the stroke occurred, so the recovery of each person may be very different. This can cause frustration and concern for the person who had the stroke and the caregiver. It is very important to become involved with a source of accurate information and support. There are many available, in-person or online, through your local hospital, stroke clubs, and the American Heart Association Support Network.

Recovery from a stroke generally occurs within the first 3 months, but for some people recovery continues on for much longer. Some recovery will occur naturally over time, but recovery can be enhanced. Physical exercise to gain strength and balance and practice doing self-care activities, such as feeding oneself, putting on shoes, dressing, and changing the TV channels can help with the sense of regaining independence.

Sometimes the person recovering from a stroke is very unsteady and exercise presents a risk. Speak with your healthcare provider about a referral for physical therapy. An expert can help you learn about safe ways to help your relative ambulate and equipment that might make it easier for you to assist with ambulation. A referral for occupational rehabilitation might also enable your relative to independently return to self-care activities.

A common factor in post stroke care is recognizing symptoms of depression. Almost half of all older adults who have a stroke experience difficulty controlling their emotions. If ignored, these feelings can interfere with recovery. The person you care for may refuse to exercise, refuse to get up from bed, refuse to dress, resist bathing. These are all indications that they may be having an emotional reaction to the stroke. If the behavior continues and you aren’t able to help your relative refocus, you may need professional help. Consult with your healthcare provider. For people who weren’t chronically depressed before having a stroke, a short course of medication therapy, post stroke can be very effective. Not only do anti-depressants improve mood, but they have been demonstrated to improve physical recovery post stroke as well.

One of the most important things you can do when helping your relative recover from a stroke is to take care of yourself. Providing care is challenging mentally and physically for the caregiver. Don’t minimize the potential stress. Enlist support from family and friends and community resources. There is a wonderful benefit to the caregiver that happens when someone you’ve cared for returns to independent functioning and you know that you helped make it possible. Your support through the challenging days, despite difficult behavior and physical strain made it possible for someone you love to regain their sense of self.