Ways to Help a Loved One Recover from a Stroke
Having a stroke is a traumatic event and the road to recovery can be long and arduous. Queen City Elder Care specializes in caregivers that are specifically trained to help their patients with the aftermath of a stroke. We are here to share with our readers, advice for loved ones of those who have suffered a stroke. A strong support system is key in the recovery process.
- Keep A Healthy Diet: Those who’ve already had a stroke are more likely to experience a second one. Make sure they maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating foods that are high in fiber, lean protein, and low in fat and salt. Also, stay away from processed foods.
- Attend Physical Therapy Sessions: Physical therapy is one of the most important aspects of stroke recovery. Being there for emotional support can help your loved one feel more confident. Celebrate each success, no matter how small.
- Reduce the Risk of Falling: The risk of falling increases after experiencing a stroke. By eliminating certain dangers in the home, you can decrease the potential danger of falling. Start with installing good lighting around the home, remove throw rugs, and install grab bars in the bathroom.
- Stay Positive: It is very easy for the person who has had a stroke to fall into a depression. Keep positive messages and images around at all times. This will help your loved one visualize the positive thoughts and not focus on the negative. If you notice a worsening mood, call a health professional to help asap.
- Get Moving: Physical activity helps to improve their mood and reduces stress; two important factors for anyone who has recently had a stroke. Not to mention the many other health benefits to exercise.
- Be Patient: Someone that is recovering from a stroke will usually have difficulty speaking at first and it can be frustrating for them to try to express themselves. Give them plenty of time to finish what they are saying and avoid acting impatient. This will increase their confidence and encourage them to keep working on the exercises prescribed by the speech therapist.
- Take Care of Yourself: Caring for a loved one that is recovering from a stroke can be overwhelming at times. Make sure you get plenty of rest and ask family and friends for help. Taking time for yourself, even for a few hours a week can make a world of difference in terms of your own health. If you can’t get a family member or friend to take over the care once in a while, agencies like Queen City Elder Care can provide trained caregivers to step in and help.
If you have a loved one who has recently suffered from a stroke, help is out there! Please share with us your experiences in the comments below.
Co-Owners at Queen City Elder Care
Mark Vollmer is the co-owner of Queen City Elder Care and performs the outside sales and finance functions of the company.He has over 25 years of healthcare industry experience including sales and sales management in home infusion and hospice services.
Michele Vollmer is a visionary leader who is perpetually searching for ways to improve, so to remain at the leading edge of the home care industry.She has served in the healthcare industry since 1989, including pharmaceutical and home health sales, as well as hospice sales and sales management.
Michele Vollmer is a visionary leader who is perpetually searching for ways to improve, so to remain at the leading edge of the home care industry.She has served in the healthcare industry since 1989, including pharmaceutical and home health sales, as well as hospice sales and sales management.
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