Following a stroke, it is important to do everything possible to help promote a successful recovery once the patient is at home.
Here are seven tips that can contribute to overall success:
- Follow the advice of experts
Even after you transition home, it is critical to maintain regular appointments with your doctors, especially your neurologist. Typically, post-stroke patients visit their neurologist at least once every six weeks early in the recovery. However, more than half of stroke survivors fail to comply with recommended follow-up visits and do not see any specialists during their recovery.
- Adapt your home to your needs
Depending on the severity of your stroke, you may require medical equipment, such as a walker, wheelchair or hospital bed, in the home. In addition, your home may require safety modifications before you can feel comfortable. Your doctors, therapists and discharge planners should be able to advise you on the equipment you will need at home.
- Follow up on your blood work
Because strokes are caused by a reduction in blood flow to the brain, your physician usually will prescribe anticoagulants to facilitate your recovery. The dosage is adjusted based on your blood flow. Therefore, regular blood testing is critical to ensuring a safe and accurate dosage. Your doctors will advise you on the proper procedure and timing for your blood work.
- Understand your limitations
We all value our independence, and many of us are accustomed to an active lifestyle. However, anyone recovering from a stroke must understand that the recovery process cannot be rushed. Your brain is gradually rebuilding damaged synapses, which can cause mental fogginess or a sense of mild confusion. Your body is recovering, as well, and activities that once were routine, such as walking or hand movement, may present new physical challenges. Understand that you can take steps to address them. Receiving support from a caregiver or a loved one can help with your physical needs. In addition, memory exercises, such as keeping an activity notebook, can improve cognitive function.
- Do as much as you can
Though you should never endanger yourself or risk your recovery by doing too much too soon, it is important that you attempt basic tasks with which you feel comfortable. Your efforts will facilitate your physical recovery, and small accomplishments can provide a big mental boost and propel you toward your long-term goals. Take incremental steps and utilize support from family or caregivers for daily activities that pose a challenge.
- Maintain your therapy schedule
Though your therapy needs (physical, occupational or speech) may vary, it is important to start therapy as soon as possible and remain consistent with your appointments and recommended exercises. Though your initial therapy sessions may be trying, maintain focus on your long-term goals. Your therapists are trained professionals who have helped numerous post-stroke patients and can act as expert guides in the critical weeks following a stroke.
- Watch your diet
It is important to limit your intake of fat, cholesterol and sodium to prevent unnecessary stress on your body. It may be tempting to indulge in comfort foods, but a balanced diet is essential to a healthy recovery. It also is important to maintain a regular meal schedule, even though you may not be hungry. Proper nutrition and caloric intake give your body the energy it needs to heal.
Home Care Assistance
Post-stroke recovery is a challenge. Home Care Assistance can help. A stroke can be an extremely challenging medical event with which to cope and from which to recover. Patients must simultaneously overcome physical, cognitive and emotional challenges. Many stroke survivors report frustrations with the recovery process.
In a recent survey of more than 1,000 stroke survivors, more than 40 percent felt somewhat or not very successful in meeting their rehabilitation goals, and 38 percent felt they lacked information relevant to their recovery. Regardless of the severity of your stroke, it is critical to take a proactive and informed approach to your post-stroke care. Often, a caregiver can help ease the physical and emotional stress.
If you need further counseling or information, please come to my office, located on Power and McKellips roads, at 2031 N. Power Road, Suite 103. See me, Amanda Butas, nurse, certified dementia practitioner, geriatric care manager and president of Home Care Assistance Mesa.
It is my passion to help our senior community. Through advocacy, education and experience, I am able to help seniors and their families understand the aging and disease process. Working in tandem with other health care professionals, I also provide resources and strong, sound advice to assist in all aspects of care.
For more information, call me at (480) 699-4899.