Stroke recovery: looking after your loved one at home

Stroke recovery: looking after your loved one at home

Seeing someone close to you recover from a stroke can be incredibly tough. It’s a big change to the life you’re used to, and will undoubtedly affect you both emotionally and physically. We’ve created a short guide to help you adjust to your new life at home.

Seeing someone recover from a stroke pulls on lots of complex emotions – feelings of loss, helplessness, shock, fear and even guilt. This sudden change can turn your loved one’s life upside down, and yours too. It’s natural to feel scared and overwhelmed but you are not alone, there are people around to support you and there are others going through similar experiences.

Making home life fit around this change won’t be easy, but it is something that will get easier with time. As you start out on this journey, here are seven pointers from our experience, to help you on your way:

1. Look after yourself

This may not be what you’re expecting to hear, or what immediately comes to mind, but it’s incredibly important. It’s great that you’re able to care for your loved one, but you can only do that if you yourself are healthy and able. Make sure you get sufficient sleep, eat well and find slots of leisure time to stay mentally well. You cannot care for someone, if you do not care for yourself first.

2. Embrace further support

You may find you have been suddenly thrust into role of carer and you feel overwhelmed. That is natural. No one could expect you to know exactly what to do, so reach out to those who can offer help. Your GP will be able to put you onto stroke recovery support groups and specialists who can guide you and help you build the new skills you will need.

3. Get organised

You’ll feel very out of control at times, which can become stressful and very tiring. Getting organised will help you feel in charge again. Find a system that works for you but consider making lists of all useful contacts you meet, keeping a log of the medication and side effects, and trying to find a daily routine that works for you and your loved one.

4. Be emotionally and physically aware

The sudden change imposed on you and your loved one will be hard in a number of ways. You will need to consider the practical adjustments that need to be made, but don’t forget the emotional ones too. With the stroke may come loss of independence, sudden change, communication difficulties and many more challenges. Give yourself an emotional outlet with friends and family and give reassurance to your loved one through touch and talking.

5. Be encouraging

It’s important you help your loved one to find areas of independence again. These may initially be small but be positive and encouraging and look for new opportunities. Daily rehabilitation exercises will help the brain rewire and these little wins will keep you moving forwards.

6. Expect highs and lows

Stroke recovery is not a linear process. There will be times you move forward and times you take a step back. The best thing you can do is know that the bad days will come but know that they will pass too. Try to take each day as it comes and keep looking forward at what is possible.

7. Be experimental

A lot of caregiving is learnt through experience. Plus, the effects of stroke are very different for different people. Don’t be afraid to try new things – such as means of communication, daily routines or goal setting. What works for someone else may not be right for you and your loved one. Use trial and error and find a set up that works for you.

It will take time to adjust and learn. You will need to be patient, both with them, but also yourself. You may get things wrong, forget, slip up, but show yourself the compassion you show others. With experience, things will get easier and you will find many things to celebrate and build your positivity.

Remember, the role of carer does not fall solely on you. There are family and friends around you to help. And if you need professional support, then we are always here for you.

For more information on our Stroke care services, contact a member of our friendly team today.