Effective Ways to Care For Stroke Patients at Home
The whole process of recovery will need patience, hard work, and commitment from the patient and caregiver. Caring for a stroke patient at home may seem easy at first, but it’s exhausting, and you may neglect yourself, resulting in improper care. Here’s how to give proper home care after a stroke.
Be a Caregiver but Don’t Do Everything
In providing home care for stroke patients, you need to be there only when they ask for help or if necessary. Instead of doing everything for them, encourage them to try moving independently and do their daily rehabilitation exercises. You also need to be understanding and supportive when the patient is dealing with anxiety, depression, and loneliness.
Talk to a Nursing Home for Stroke Patients
Don’t be afraid to ask if you have questions about caring for stroke patients at home. There are many stroke homes care in Philadelphia, PA, where you can ask for tips, home modifications for a safer environment, caregiving support, and insurance coverage. Some of these nursing homes for stroke patients also have support groups that simultaneously help you and the patient.
Be Cautious With Medications and Supplements
To properly care for a stroke patient, be careful about their medications and supplements. All stroke medications have different side effects that you need to monitor. Also, some supplements may increase the risk of a second and more fatal stroke.
Record Everything
It is essential to document everything, from medical records, effects of the stroke, medication, and changes in the patient’s behavior. For example, if the patient shows new side effects, record it so that it’s easy to remember how often it happened and call the doctor immediately. Keep these papers ready and updated at every doctor’s appointment.
Lower Stroke Risks
Changing lifestyle habits and serious falls reduce the risks of recurrent stroke. Always keep the patient’s blood pressure, cholesterol, and stress levels normal. Ensure the patient’s surroundings are safe and your loved one has sufficient mobility before leaving them alone.
Don’t Lose Hope
In most cases, three months into home care after a stroke, a survivor may experience a “plateau” where recovery slows down. Be strong for your loved one. Instead of feeling discouraged, use this to improve your rehabilitation plan. Don’t give up and believe in a faster and higher recovery.
Have a Day Off
Providing home health care for stroke patients is a huge responsibility that sometimes leads to burnout. Rest, be patient, and don’t lose your life. Ask a family member to care for the patient for a day and have some time to recharge.
Stroke Home Care in Philadelphia, PA
Understandably, there are situations where no one is always available to care for a stroke patient, and it’s okay to ask and ask for help. All American Home Care is a stroke home care in Philadelphia, PA, that can help you. But if you’re looking for stroke home care in stroke home care in Allentown, PA, or any other place in the US, remember that excellent nursing homes for stroke patients should:
- Have caregivers who fully understand and know how to manage the various deficits and complications associated with stroke.
- Explain the stroke rehabilitation process, such as the recovery timeline, the type of rehabilitation needed, etc.
- Enlighten the patient and their family about the disease, identifying and modifying stroke risk factors to prevent reoccurrence.
- Help to increase the patient’s accountability by encouraging them to keep a log or use online tools to monitor their blood pressure, food intake, and glucose levels.
