10 Things Every Stroke Patients Caregiver Should Know.

Stroke is a life threatening medical condition also known as a ‘brain attack’. Blocked blood flow to any area of the brain causes a stroke and can happen to anyone, especially beyond the age of 40.

1. Know the medications

• Be mindful of the medications that have been prescribed and their side effects
• Clarify any doubts regarding the dose and time of administration of the medications
• Request a written copy of the drug and stroke information for a better understanding of what happens during and after a stroke

2. Reduce the recurrence of stroke

• Stroke survivors are at a high risk of experiencing recurrence if the therapy is not monitored well
• Make sure all precautionary measures are in place to prevent recurrence. This includes the following:
  • A healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables as recommended by your healthcare provider
  • Exercise such as walking
  • Taking medications only as prescribed
  • Routine visits to your healthcare provider

• It is important to know the signs and symptoms of an oncoming stroke as well so that it can be identified and treated well in time

3. Enhance recovery

• Recovery depends on various factors and can happen overtime or quickly, the earliest being three to four months
• Recovery depends on the following factors:
  • The quality and amount of rehabilitation
  • The health of the person before the stroke

4. Recognize the need for physical therapy

• Seek out for assistance from a professional physical and/or occupational therapist if you observe the following signs:
  • Imbalance that may result in a fall
  • Increased need for help in every day activities
  • Difficulty moving around
  • Inability to walk for at least 6 minutes without pausing for rest

5. Take falls seriously

• Falls are quiet common after a stroke and need to be taken seriously as they may result in severe bleeding or pain
• Consult a healthcare provider if the patient has had two minor falls with no injury within the last 6 months

6. Measure progress

• Functional Independence Measure Score (FIMS) is a score developed by experts that helps to measure the improvements in activities of daily living, interaction, and mobility skills
• Make sure the patient is assessed per it every week to note their progress
• Typically, an improving score of 1 to 2 points per week is considered decent improvement

7. Observe changes in attitude and ability

• Take note of the speech, motor skills, and self-care since the last therapy visit
• Any change for the worst needs to be reported to the healthcare provider
• Assess the signs and symptoms that occur while the person tries to control emotions

8. Tame depression

• About 30-50% stroke survivors develop depression post stroke
• Make sure to have an action plan put together with the help of the healthcare provider if the patient is showing signs of depression

9. Request support

• Don’t burden yourself thinking that you are the only one that needs to care for the stroke survivor
• Pursue help from the case manager, social workers, and even your healthcare provider
• There are various assistance companies available to provide the services you may need for stroke rehabilitation

10. Don’t forget yourself

• Don’t forget to take care of yourself first
• Take a break from time to time for yourself
• Maintain a good balance of diet, exercise, and sleep
• Do not hesitate to ask another family member, neighbor, or friend to help while you rest