We understand that the journey of recovery after a stroke can feel overwhelming, and it’s natural to have mixed emotions when hopes don’t align with the current progress. Every stroke survivor recovers at their own pace, and the extent of recovery can depend on many factors, including how the brain was affected.
While it may not be probable to achieve certain milestones right away, like walking out of the hospital, we focus on what is possible today and set small goals that lead to larger goals. With daily hard work, the support of a care team, dedication to continue therapy exercises at home, and consistent effort, we can make important gains together. The early stages after a stroke are a critical time to maximize recovery, and though the path may be unpredictable, we’re here to support you through each step. Remember, even small improvements can add up to significant progress over time.
Our goal is to work with you, your family, and your therapy teams to set realistic expectations while aiming for the best possible outcome. Together, we can strive to make meaningful progress and celebrate each victory along the way.
With our in-home care team and stroke care at home providers, your loved one will have the support needed to continue to recuperate.
Let us talk about some of the recovery struggles.
The effects of a stroke mostly depend upon where the stroke happened in the brain. It also depends upon the severity of the stroke, as well as the number of strokes. When an area of the brain is damaged by a stroke, it may lose or “forget” certain functions that will need to be relearned as your loved one is recovering. Common areas that may be affected can include your loved one’s ability to move parts of his body, her speech (expressive or receptive aphasia), her vision, and/or her emotions.
Practice transfers, get a home safety evaluation, and add grab bars in the functional areas that you will need them, and invest in durable medical equipment such as a wheelchair.
It’s Not So Simple to Get Dressed Anymore
In the past, your loved one woke up each morning, slipped on her clothes and shoes, and headed out the door. Now, she’s struggling. Having a caregiver trained in stroke care at home can be a good start to your loved one’s recovery with daily tasks like getting dressed.
- Choose Easy-to-Wear Clothes. Button-down shirts and zippers should be avoided. Comfort is the key to easy dressing. Having clothes that are loose-fitting and made of a garment that easily slides over the body can make getting an arm in a sleeve much easier.
- Sit Down to Get Dressed. Standing can require too much coordination and stamina for getting dressed. Your loved one should sit down to put on pants and might want to consider staying seated while putting on her shirt as well. That way she can focus her movements on dressing instead of balancing. If you’re helping your loved one get dressed, having her seated will help you pull shirts over her head, apply braces that are needed and slip shoes on.
- Start with the affected side first. If the stroke affected one side of the body more than the other, have the unaffected side dress the affected side first. The same goes for undressing. Use the unaffected side to do most of the work by going first in the process.
- Use slip-on or Velcro shoes for ease of putting on and taking off.
Each day will bring your loved one a step closer to independently dressing herself again.
If your loved one is in need of stroke care at home in Lincoln, NE, please contact Home Care Partners today at (402) 780-1211.
If your loved one’s wish is to continue living in their forever home, we can make that possible. Reach out to us today our consults and cognitive assessments are FREE 402-780-1211.
Home Care Partners is a top provider of care management services in Lincoln, NE and Lancaster County. We Bring Assisted Living Home.
Our Caregiving team provides personal one-on-one attention for your loved one. When you are ready to begin your care journey, we are the experts that will answer your questions and help you implement a plan.
Home Care Partners is locally owned and committed to providing Thoughtful, Quality, and Dedicated Care.
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