Return to Stroke - Self care

If you are a family member of a stroke survivor, here's what you can do:

• Support the patient's efforts to participate in rehabilitation decisions.

• Visit and talk with the patient. You can relax together while playing cards, watching television, listening to the radio or playing a board game.

• If the patient has trouble talking, ask the speech-language pathologist how you can help.

• Participate in education offered for stroke survivors and their families. Learn as much about the condition as possible and how you can help.

• Ask to attend some of the rehabilitation sessions. This is a good way to learn how rehabilitation works and how you can help.

• Encourage and help the patient practice skills learned in rehabilitation.

• Make sure that the program staff suggests activities that fit the patient's needs and interests.

• Find out what the patient can do alone, what the patient can do with help and what the patient can't do. Each time the patient does something, ability and confidence grows.

• Take care of yourself by eating well, getting enough rest and taking time to do things that you enjoy.

Many types of rehabilitation programs are available in hospitals and nursing homes. Others are outpatient programs that allow the patient to live at home, but receive therapy by visiting a rehabilitation service. Other programs are home-based, where professionals visit the person in the home.

Many survivors do not need a complete rehabilitation program but only help with specific functions, such as speech or physical activities. These services may be offered either at a special facility or in the home.

Things to consider when choosing a rehabilitation program

The National Institutes of Health offers these guidelines when choosing a rehabilitation program:

• Does the program provide the services the patient needs?

• Does it match the patient's abilities or is it too demanding or not demanding enough?

• What kind of standing does it have in the community for the quality of the program?

• Is it certified and does its staff have good credentials?

• Is it located where family members can easily visit?

• Does it actively involve the patient and family members in rehabilitation decisions?

• Does it encourage family members to participate in some rehabilitation sessions and practice with the patient?

• How well are its costs covered by insurance or Medicare?

• If it is an outpatient or home program, is there someone living at home who can provide care?

• If it is an outpatient program, is transportation available?

Caregiving

Not only must the stroke survivor learn how to adjust in a new world, but the people who care for the patient must also adapt. They are often suffering the loss of a friend or family member as they once knew them. In addition, they may feel frightened or overwhelmed by their new responsibilities.

These adjustments are physical and emotional. The caregivers need support, understanding and some time to enjoy their own life. The most important thing is to find out who can help, and to ask for it. Even when family members and friends are not nearby and able to help, support groups can help you identify other resources and provide an important emotional outlet.

Related Articles What Is Stroke? Lowering Your Risk for Stroke What Are the Early Warning Signs of Stroke? Treating Stroke The Effects of Stroke When Men Become Caregivers

External Sources American Stroke Association The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.