Tips for Caregivers: Stroke

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Tip 1:

Learn about stroke and their prognosisLearn about stroke and their prognosis

The more you learn about stroke and your loved one’s condition, the better you’ll be able to care for them.

• Attend doctor appointments and ask what their recovery and rehabilitation process will look like. 
• Go to therapy sessions together so you can help with rehab exercises at home. 
• At home, watch for lingering symptoms and address them with the care team.
• Get extra help: Use the CircleOf app’s task management tool to keep track of doctor’s appointments, therapy sessions, and daily tasks in one place.

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Tip 2:

Reduce their risk of a second strokeReduce their risk of a second stroke

One in four stroke survivors experiences a second stroke within five years. While survivors can’t change their medical history, there are ways to minimize their risk.

• Help manage their medications. Since many meds have side effects, keep a log of symptoms to share with their doctor.
• Make healthy meals. Stroke survivors must often adjust their diet to manage blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Think fruit, vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and foods low in salt.
• Encourage exercise. Aim for 10 to 20 minutes of aerobic exercise daily (e.g., a walk, stationary bike, water aerobics).
• Get extra help: Skip the grocery store and get nourishing meals from Blue Apron delivered to you.

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Tip 3:

Reduce the risk of a fallReduce the risk of a fall

About 40% of stroke survivors suffer serious falls within a year after their stroke. Help your loved one safely move around their home by incorporating simple modifications.

• Kitchen: Place a lazy Susan in cabinets for easy access to often-used items; use a rolling cart to move multiple items from the counter to the table.
• Bathroom: Install a raised toilet seat and tub bench; switch to single-lever faucets for better grip; add grab bars next to toilets, sinks, and in the shower.
• Throughout the home: Clear clutter from the pathway, secure loose rugs, and ensure doors open fully by switching to swing-clear hinges.
• Get extra help: Upgrade their bathroom with a free grab bar from our partners at Carex.

CircleOf RecommendsGet an immediate estimate from pros ready to do the job. 
Hire a Pro

Tip 4:

Take extra care of their affected sideTake extra care of their affected side

Some stroke patients tend to neglect one side of their body; try to encourage your loved one to use their affected side as much as possible.

• Rearrange the furniture and TV so they have to turn toward their affected side for eye contact and viewing.
• Situate their bed so they get in and out of it using their affected arm and leg.
• When getting dressed, help them use their unaffected arm to dress the affected side first.
• Get extra help: Need a pair of hands to help with home modifications? Try Thumbtack and hire a pro to help with moving furniture and heavy lifting.
  

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Tip 5:

Make movement easier with adaptive toolsMake movement easier with adaptive tools

An occupational therapist may recommend therapy tools to help with their daily tasks. 

• Keep a “hip kit” handy, which usually includes a long-handled shoe horn, pant hook, reacher tool, and other helpful aids.
• Try one-handed cutting boards, rocker knives, and adaptive utensils for easier food prep.
• Get no-slip placemats and plates to ensure a no-spill dining experience.
• Get extra help: Make getting dressed easier with Joe & Bella's adaptive clothing with zipper pulls, side openings, and minimal buttons.
  

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Tip 6:

Prepare for shifts in mood and personalityPrepare for shifts in mood and personality

It’s common for stroke survivors to experience changes in their behavior and personality. Monitor these changes and address them with as much compassion as possible.

• Talk to their doctor about counseling or other mental health therapy options.
• Make sure the person you’re caring for regularly interacts with loved ones. Social support can offer a significant mood boost, especially on challenging days.
• Get extra help: Meditation has been proven to be an essential benefit for recovery from stroke — start with simple guided meditations from Headspace.

Previous

CircleOf RecommendsYour place to stay connected, share
information, and get help from
family and friendsDownload the App

Tip 1:

Learn about stroke and their prognosisLearn about stroke and their prognosis

The more you learn about stroke and your loved one’s condition, the better you’ll be able to care for them.

• Attend doctor appointments and ask what their recovery and rehabilitation process will look like. 
• Go to therapy sessions together so you can help with rehab exercises at home. 
• At home, watch for lingering symptoms and address them with the care team.
• Get extra help: Use the CircleOf app’s task management tool to keep track of doctor’s appointments, therapy sessions, and daily tasks in one place.

CircleOf RecommendsDelicious, healthy meal kits delivered right to your doorstep.
Get $150 Off

Tip 2:

Reduce their risk of a second strokeReduce their risk of a second stroke

One in four stroke survivors experiences a second stroke within five years. While survivors can’t change their medical history, there are ways to minimize their risk.

• Help manage their medications. Since many meds have side effects, keep a log of symptoms to share with their doctor.
• Make healthy meals. Stroke survivors must often adjust their diet to manage blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Think fruit, vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and foods low in salt.
• Encourage exercise. Aim for 10 to 20 minutes of aerobic exercise daily (e.g., a walk, stationary bike, water aerobics).
• Get extra help: Skip the grocery store and get nourishing meals from Blue Apron delivered to you.

CircleOf RecommendsMake sure their bathroom is a haven.
Free Grab Bar

Tip 3:

Reduce the risk of a fallReduce the risk of a fall

About 40% of stroke survivors suffer serious falls within a year after their stroke. Help your loved one safely move around their home by incorporating simple modifications.

• Kitchen: Place a lazy Susan in cabinets for easy access to often-used items; use a rolling cart to move multiple items from the counter to the table.
• Bathroom: Install a raised toilet seat and tub bench; switch to single-lever faucets for better grip; add grab bars next to toilets, sinks, and in the shower.
• Throughout the home: Clear clutter from the pathway, secure loose rugs, and ensure doors open fully by switching to swing-clear hinges.
• Get extra help: Upgrade their bathroom with a free grab bar from our partners at Carex.

CircleOf RecommendsGet an immediate estimate from pros ready to do the job. 
Hire a Pro

Tip 4:

Take extra care of their affected sideTake extra care of their affected side

Some stroke patients tend to neglect one side of their body; try to encourage your loved one to use their affected side as much as possible.

• Rearrange the furniture and TV so they have to turn toward their affected side for eye contact and viewing.
• Situate their bed so they get in and out of it using their affected arm and leg.
• When getting dressed, help them use their unaffected arm to dress the affected side first.
• Get extra help: Need a pair of hands to help with home modifications? Try Thumbtack and hire a pro to help with moving furniture and heavy lifting.
  

CircleOf RecommendsStylish, comfortable clothes that balance form and function.20% Off All Orders

Tip 5:

Make movement easier with adaptive toolsMake movement easier with adaptive tools

An occupational therapist may recommend therapy tools to help with their daily tasks. 

• Keep a “hip kit” handy, which usually includes a long-handled shoe horn, pant hook, reacher tool, and other helpful aids.
• Try one-handed cutting boards, rocker knives, and adaptive utensils for easier food prep.
• Get no-slip placemats and plates to ensure a no-spill dining experience.
• Get extra help: Make getting dressed easier with Joe & Bella's adaptive clothing with zipper pulls, side openings, and minimal buttons.
  

CircleOf RecommendsImprove your stress response.
Reduce anxiety.
Get help with mental focus.
Two Weeks for Free

Tip 6:

Prepare for shifts in mood and personalityPrepare for shifts in mood and personality

It’s common for stroke survivors to experience changes in their behavior and personality. Monitor these changes and address them with as much compassion as possible.

• Talk to their doctor about counseling or other mental health therapy options.
• Make sure the person you’re caring for regularly interacts with loved ones. Social support can offer a significant mood boost, especially on challenging days.
• Get extra help: Meditation has been proven to be an essential benefit for recovery from stroke — start with simple guided meditations from Headspace.

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The information in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. If you are seeking medical advice, please consult with your licensed physician or other qualified health provider.