Learning how to take care of an individual living with a stroke is paramount to increasing their life. The process entails putting oneself in the patient's shoes, generating empathy and compassion that will push anyone around the patient to act promptly and carefully towards the survivor. Family members and caregivers of stroke patients are usually worried about whether their loved ones will recover and what they may require to speed their healing. However, taking care of stroke patients is not as hard as it may seem. Understanding simple tips and activities that can be applied will enable those around stroke survivors to know how to take care of them, resulting in healing. Hence, caregivers need not worry about the burden they may face since it can lighten by developing appropriate care management knowledge.
There are several tips that caregivers should know, which will help them take care of their patients. According to Flint Rehab (2019), regular rehabilitation exercises are imperative for stroke survivors considering that most of them experience motor impairments. It is also important to give them a chance to do things independently, not unless they ask for help or if they cannot do a given activity, which will enable them to start relearning how to do various activities. The houses in which stroke patients live may also need to be modified by incorporating grab bars and non-slip mats to enhance their safety since they experience balance difficulties. However, if they fall, those around them should offer support since stroke survivors may find it hard to get up (Flint Rehab, 2019). Besides, medical attention is necessary after such incidences, which result from balance problems. Regular monitoring will also enable one to identify the side effects after discharge caused by certain medications.
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Having looked at what should be done to promote the recovery of stroke patients, it is also essential to know what should not be done, which may impede the healing process or affect the health of other individuals. Caregivers should not allow themselves to become sad or frustrated because of their clients' condition since that may lead to depression, which may either be acute or chronic (Conaway, 2012). Besides, they should not ignore any signs that may be pointing to illness, such as headache, since it could be a result of depression. Instead, caregivers should exercise regularly, relax and maintain a healthy diet (Conaway, 2012). Therefore, proper care of stroke patients entails doing the right 'things' for survivors and caregivers. The latter should not allow their health to deteriorate just because they are taking care of a patient. Seeking third-party help whenever required may help reduce workload and create time for relaxation.
Taking care of a stroke patient may be physically and emotionally exhaustive. The main barrier towards the recovery of stroke survivors is poor care, which could be due to insufficient knowledge. Hence, caregivers and family members of stroke patients should not remain ignorant but should seek advice from social workers and medical staff on home care tips. Besides, it is noteworthy that patients may often seem to make little or no progress, particularly during the first three months after discharge, whereby neurological changes result in a slowdown. Despite that, having the hope of recovery amidst the storm that seems to be hopeless is paramount. Although many years may pass after the discharge of a stroke patient, recovery is still possible since it is independent of time but dependent on the quality of care and inherent body factors. Maintaining a cheerful mode through humor and laughter is critical to enhancing the emotional health of caregivers and family members.
References
Flint Rehab (2019, June 6). How to care for a stroke patient at home with 15 best practices. Flint Rehab. https://www.flintrehab.com/how-to-care-for-stroke-patient-at-home/
Conaway, B. (2012, June 1). Stroke Recovery: Tips for the Caregiver. WebMD . https://www.webmd.com/stroke/features/stroke-recovery-tips-for-the-caregiver
