5 Tips For Helping A Stroke Survivor

If one of your loved ones recently suffered a stroke, you may be concerned about his recovery. A stroke can take a big toll on the body and increase the risk of suffering a second stroke. Luckily, there are some things you can do to help your family member during the recovery process. Here are five helpful tips for helping a stroke survivor recover:

Decrease the Risk of Falls in the Home

A stroke can throw off your loved one's balance, making him more likely to fall. That is why you should make his home as fall-proof as possible. Get rid of throw rugs and remove clutter from the floors. You can also consider installing grab bars in the bathtub to help prevent falls.

Encourage Exercise

Exercise might seem unlikely after your family member has suffered a stroke, but it can actually prevent a second stroke. Physical activity can lower blood pressure and decrease stress, which are risk factors for strokes. Encourage your loved one to start off with low-impact exercises, such as walking or swimming.

Look for Signs of Depression

Unfortunately, a stroke can increase the likelihood of depression in your loved one, which can affect his recovery. It is important to be on the lookout for signs of depression, such as irritability, loss of interest in activities and feelings of hopelessness. If you believe your family member is depressed, encourage him to see a therapist soon.

Prepare Healthy Meals

Now that your loved one has suffered a stroke, it is even more important for him to eat a healthy diet. Eating a diet filled with nutritious foods, like fruits, vegetables and lean meats, can reduce the risk of high blood pressure and other stroke risk factors.

Hire a Caregiver

If caring for your loved one is interfering with your work and family life, you should consider hiring a full-time caregiver. This person can come to your family member's home and help him with his daily tasks, such as taking medicine, grocery shopping and washing the dishes. An experienced caregiver like All Care Hawaii can also provide your loved one with emotional support. 

Recovering from a stroke is not easy. However, if you follow these helpful tips and provide your loved one with endless support, you can make the process that much easier. Be extra sensitive toward your loved one's feelings and realize that the recovery process can take a lot of time.

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