For our purposes, the term “stroke victim” refers to a person who has suffered a debilitating stroke, one that left him or her with one-sided paralysis or aphasia, or other activity limitation. Recovery from minor strokes may be swift and complete.
Stroke Victims are Fearful
Homecoming is frightening, both for the post-stroke victim and for his or her caretaker or partner. For the patient, the prospect of survival in an environment without handy and knowledgeable nurses, aides and equipment is daunting. A stroke victim may be afraid of falls, of being unable to get to the bathroom, of never recovering. She may be facing an unknown future, unaware how much her life will change. Furthermore, she may be afraid her partner will be unable or unwilling to take on the burden of being there for her.
Caretakers' Fears
For the caretaker-slash-spouse, the prospect of caring for someone who needs help dressing, eating, or carrying on a conversation may be terrifying. In addition, a partner must do all of his or her own usual chores while perhaps taking over work the victim used to do.The caretaker may fear that he will do something wrong, that the victim’s condition will be worsened if he does.
Hekping Hints For Stroke Victims
- Don’t leave her alone. The victim should not be left alone until she has learned how negotiate the path to the bathroom, how to call for help, and how to get up from a fall. She needs to be able to sit and stand without help.
- Check on her welfare. Even after she is able to perform these basic functions, she shouldn’t be left alone for extended periods. Someone should call or otherwise check on her every hour or two, until the danger of a serious fall has passed.
- Be supportive. The victim’s recovery is essentially a do-it-yourself project. No one else can effectively practice her activities. Nevertheless, it is extremely helpful if the caretaker approaches the situation with a “we’re in this together” attitude. She needs to know—sometimes desperately—that he is there for her emotionally as well as physically.
- Be patient. The victim is likely to suffer extreme mood swings. Emotional lability is prevalent among stroke victims and many become tearful, express anger, or laugh at inappropriate moments. Forbearance is the only useful tool. Many patients never regain emotional stability, but most learn a degree of control that allows them to function effectively with others.
- Let the patient be in charge of her own recovery. Assume recovery, and she will, but never push, unless she is spending all her time vegging out. Then discuss the matter with her doctor and decide with him whether more therapy is advisable.
- Watch for threats of suicide. The future looms long and gloomy for a person in recovery. She may fear she will never regain her functionality, and she may not. Ending may come to seem like a viable option.
- Discourage life-changing decisions. Except for decisions made prior to the illness, big alterations should wait. This is no time to sell or buy a home, nor to move, until both victim and caretaker have had time to assess the situation. Unless safety and abuse are factors, divorce shouldn’t be undertaken until the patient is able to function alone.
- Make the environment user-friendly. Keeping everything frequently used close at hand is important. A telephone near the bed and one near the favorite chair is a must, unless the patient normally carries a cell-phone. Bath supplies must be kept replenished. Pots and dishes need to be stored at a level that doesn’t require kneeling or climbing.
- Check that she is able to swallow, and watch for weight losses. Many people find swallowing difficult after a stroke. If food is uneaten due to swallowing difficulty, depression, or lost appetite, consult the doctor.
- Properly prepare the home. If bathroom bars are needed, make sure they are within reach and mounted in solid wood. Remove throw rugs, and install rails beside all steps. Make sure nothing is placed to block the path of a walker, wheelchair, or cane.
- Don’t listen to anyone who says recovery is as good as it gets after a year, two years, or any given time. Some stroke suffers are able to improve performance years after the event with exercise and practice.
Faye Newman - I'm a freelance writer based on the Oregon coast. My passions are riding (horses) and writing (sometimes about horses) in that order. ...
