Patient education: Taking care of someone after a stroke (The Basics)

What is a stroke? — Stroke is the term doctors use when a part of the brain is damaged because of a problem with blood flow (figure 1). Strokes can happen when:

●An artery going to the brain gets clogged or closes off, and part of the brain goes without blood for too long.

●An artery breaks open and starts bleeding into or around the brain.

How do strokes affect people? — The effects of a stroke depend on a lot of things, including:

●What kind of stroke it is

●Which part and how much of the brain is affected

●How quickly the stroke is treated

People who have a stroke can lose important brain functions. But each stroke is different. Examples of problems people can have after a stroke include:

●Speech problems

●Weakness and movement problems

●Loss of sensation or feeling

●Trouble eating or swallowing

●Problems thinking clearly or interacting with others

●Depression

●Problems with bladder control

You can help the person who had a stroke recover and adjust to changes. But being a caregiver can be hard, and it is also important to take care of yourself. Talk to the doctor about respite care if you need a break.

How do I help someone who had a stroke? — The doctor will give the person who had a stroke a specific plan to help them recover. Go over this plan with the doctor so you know how much care the person with the stroke will need. Sometimes, you might need to encourage them to follow the plan. Other times, you might need to help them or make tasks easier for them.

To help with medicines and doctor visits:

●Give them their medicines on time. Do not skip doses. Prepare the medicines, and make sure that you give the right medicine and the right dose.

●Get refills before the medicines run out. Call for refills a week or so in advance. Do not stop giving any medicine without talking with the doctor.

●They will likely have doctor and therapist visits. Make sure that they go to these appointments.

●Talk to the doctor if they are having trouble coping or showing signs of sadness or worry. Depression is common after stroke and can interfere with recovery. There are support groups for people who had a stroke.

To help them get stronger:

●Let them start to move around more. Help as needed to keep them safe.

●Increase the amount of exercise, as advised by the doctor or therapist. You might need to help them do their exercises.

●Allow time for rest after exercise.

●Make them feel useful. Help them learn to use adaptive equipment and new ways of doing things. This might mean learning how to do something with just 1 hand or using tools to help with tasks like eating, simple chores, light housework, or cooking. Try not to do the task for the person. Instead, have patience with them, encourage them, and help if needed.

To keep the environment safe:

●Get rid of throw rugs and clutter. Keep all walkways clear and well lit. Many people need a walker or cane to move around safely after a stroke.

●Have them wear sturdy shoes with nonslip soles when moving around.

●Add grab bars and a tub bench to make the bathroom safer.

●You might need to make changes to your home such as adding railings or a wheelchair ramp. These will help the person get into and out of the home safely.

●Talk with the doctor about having a home health company come and look at the home. They can offer ideas and tools to keep everyone safe.

To help them with diet and eating:

●Follow all instructions from the doctor, dietitian, and therapist about the diet plan. Learn if they have problems swallowing. You might need to thicken foods if they have problems swallowing. This will help prevent food from getting into their lungs and causing pneumonia.

●Ask the therapist about bowls, cups, knives, and forks designed for people who had a stroke.

●Offer a well-balanced diet. Include foods they enjoy eating. You might need to offer soft foods or help with eating after a stroke, but try to give them choices.

●Encourage them to eat regularly, even if they don't feel hungry.

To help them get enough rest:

●Let them get the rest they need. Make a schedule to gradually increase activity, with rest periods afterward. A daily schedule can also help with memory problems or confusion.

●Avoid caffeine and alcohol in the evenings.

To help with memory, thinking, and speaking problems:

●Talk with the therapist for specific exercises you can help them do.

●Give simple instructions, 1 step at a time, to help them with a task.

●Use notes and reminders to help with memory problems.

To help lower stress:

●Try to help lessen stress. They might be worrying about the future, how bills will get paid, or being a burden.

●Encourage them to spend time with family and friends.

●Help them make decisions if needed.

●Try to give encouragement, and encourage independence.

More on this topic

Patient education: Recovery after stroke (The Basics)
Patient education: Stroke rehabilitation exercises (The Basics)
Patient education: Stroke (The Basics)
Patient education: Intracerebral hemorrhage (The Basics)
Patient education: Transient ischemic attack (The Basics)
Patient education: Lowering the risk of having a stroke (The Basics)
Patient education: Aphasia (The Basics)
Patient education: Dysarthria (The Basics)

Patient education: Stroke symptoms and diagnosis (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Hemorrhagic stroke treatment (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Transient ischemic attack (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Ischemic stroke treatment (Beyond the Basics)