Helping a Loved One Recover After a Stroke

Your brain relies on a steady oxygenated blood supply to function. A stroke is a brain injury that occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted. Without this blood supply, brain cells die, leading to permanent brain damage. 

Every year, nearly 800,000 strokes occur in the United States. A stroke can cause permanent brain damage or disability, depending on the type and extent of the damage. 

Each stroke is one-of-a-kind, and so is each survivor’s recovery. A survivor’s unique challenges depend on the areas of the brain affected by the stroke. 

While professional neurorehabilitation is invaluable for a stroke survivor, support at home can be just as instrumental in their recovery. If you have a loved one in stroke recovery, our multidisciplinary team at Delaware NeuroRehab in Wilmington and Dover, Delaware, can guide you on how to be a great caregiver. 

If you’re in a position to help a loved one after a stroke, follow our top tips to support them during recovery:

Stay in the know

Every stroke and its effects are different. To help a loved one recover after a stroke, you should have some understanding of their specific needs and prognosis. Read up on strokes and stroke recovery, and ask your loved one for details if they’re willing to provide them. 

Encourage your loved one’s self-sufficiency

While your instinct might be to wait on your loved one so they never need to lift a finger, doing so isn’t helpful. Instead of doing everything for your loved one, offer to perform tasks, activities, and exercises with them. 

While our team provides a personalized rehabilitation program to help your loved one rebuild their independence, your companionship during rehabilitation can help your loved one feel less overwhelmed. 

Celebrate progress

Stroke recovery takes time, but you’ll most likely see your loved one meet important milestones along the way. Acknowledging the growth is important, even if the progress seems small or insignificant. A few words of encouragement can be helpful, or you can send a celebratory note or gift. 

Prepare your loved one’s home

A stroke can reduce a person’s mobility. Your loved one might need an assistive device, such as a cane or walker, so making their living space more accessible is necessary. 

Depending on your loved one’s needs, it may help to place useful objects within reach, clear away tripping hazards from the floor, and arrange furniture in an accessible way. 

Monitor your loved one’s well-being

A stroke can impact brain function and have widespread effects on emotional well-being. If you notice changes in your loved one’s emotions or behavior, make note of them. It’s also important to know the signs of a stroke because around 23% of stroke survivors will have another one within a year. 

Be sure to look out for:

• Sudden weakness or paralysis
• New speech problems or trouble understanding speech
• Loss of balance or coordination
• Loss of sight in one or both eyes
• Sudden severe headache

Call 911 immediately if you think your loved one is having another stroke. 

Don’t neglect your own needs

Being a caregiver can be emotionally draining. Although your loved one may be your main focus, remember to take care of yourself. Don’t hesitate to call a trusted friend, family member, or neighbor if you need a break. 

Get in touch to learn more

If you’re close to someone who has had a stroke, our experts can teach you the basics of helpful caregiving. Call Delaware NeuroRehab or request an appointment online for more tips and strategies.