Strokes can be devastating and debilitating, and people who have suffered a stroke often face a long road to recovery. It is estimated that nearly 800,000 Americans suffer from a stroke every year. If you have recently had a stroke, you may want to make sure that recovery can continue in the home after the initial hospitalization is complete. Here are a few things you can do to continue care at home.
Hire An In-Home Care Specialist
Being a full-time caregiver for a person recovering from a stroke can be physically and emotionally exhausting. Give your loved one permission to take a break from your care by hiring an in-home care specialist (click here for more info about this). The specialist can assist with the following:
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Administering medications
- Assistance with bathing and toileting
You can arrange for in-home care before you are discharged from the hospital, or you can contact a private agency on your own. Talk to your caregiver about creating an in-home care schedule that works for everyone, so your loved one can get some rest while knowing you are being taken care of.
Adapt The Home
Depending on the changes your body experiences after the stroke, you may find that your home is harder to navigate. You may need to make small changes to your home, such as installing grab bars in the bathroom, removing area rugs to prevent tripping, or removing interior doors to allow room for a wheelchair to get through. As you begin to return to everyday tasks, you may also find that you need adaptive silverware for eating. Partner with your physical and occupational therapists to determine which adaptive measures you'll need to take in the home as you recover.
Move Your Bedroom
If your bedroom is upstairs or if it isn't located near a bathroom, you may want to consider temporarily moving to the main floor of your home. This prevents you from having to navigate the stairs when you need to sleep or use the restroom, and it makes it easier for your caregiver to check on you throughout the day. A convertible sofa sleeper and a nightstand in the living room or family room lets you convert the space into a temporary bedroom that can be quickly converted back if you are expecting guests.
Talk to your doctors about the level of care and the expected recovery time for your case. Each person dealing with the aftermath of a stroke is different, and your ability levels may be better or worse than another person who has suffered a stroke. Work with your medical team to create a care plan that you can follow at home, and include your primary care giver and in-home care specialists to make it easier for you to overcome this challenge.
Share