Strokes are one of the leading causes of long-term disability in Americans. For many primary caregivers of stroke survivors, adjusting to a new normal can feel overwhelming. Our stroke team is here to help with resources that allow you to tackle some common issues when caring for a stroke survivor at home.
Where do I Start?
There is no way to tell when a stroke will happen, and there is no set guideline to caregiving for a stroke survivor. How you care for the person will depend on the severity of their stroke.
When it is safe for the person to return home, a good starting point is ensuring any necessary modifications are made to prevent accidents or injuries from occurring in their house.
Other things you can do to help your friend or loved one include:
- Getting them enrolled in a stroke rehabilitation program
- Staying on top of their medications and monitoring any side effects
- Keep track of doctor and follow-up appointments
- Watch for signs of another stroke
- Provide encouragement and emotional support to your loved one
- Join them when exercising and eating healthy foods
- Don’t forget to make time to take care of yourself
What Else Should I Know?
Falls can be dangerous, and unfortunately are very common during a stroke patient’s recovery, with up to 70% of patients experiencing a fall in the first six months. Enrolling in stroke rehabilitation care, such as Catholic Health’s stroke rehab program, can help improve a stroke survivor’s balance, strength, mobility, and coordination, often lowering the risk of falling.
In addition to physical therapy, stroke rehab can include occupational therapy and speech therapy. These therapies will help your loved one regain the ability to do important everyday functions such as communicate, eat, drive, and perform self-care acts like bathing, dressing, and much more. Our therapists can even provide these therapy services from the comfort of home.
Complete Spectrum of Stroke Care
Our multidisciplinary team is trained with industry-leading guidelines to provide the highest-quality stroke care possible. Mercy Hospital of Buffalo holds certifications from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association and The Joint Commission for meeting rigorous standards set by these organizations. From diagnosis to treatment and physical rehabilitation, our team is there to provide ongoing support for stroke survivors and their caregivers.
Our goal is to improve the quality of life for our patients and their families through evidence-based, personalized care. For more information on our comprehensive stroke care program, call (716) 706-7112.
