Life after a stroke can be a challenging journey for both the stroke survivor, and their loved ones. It can be difficult to come to terms with the realities of life post-stroke, and the process of finding the necessary care and support can be overwhelming. This guide is designed to help you through that process. It covers crucial aspects of stroke awareness:
- Symptoms to watch out for
- Life after stroke and how to adapt
- The importance of homecare post-stroke
- Aphasia
- Suffolk and UK Stroke Resources and Support Services
We hope that this guide offers valuable information and comfort to those seeking to support their loved ones after a stroke.
‘BE FAST’: How to Recognise the Symptoms of a Stroke.
Being able to recognise the symptoms of a stroke is vital for timely medical intervention. A quick response can significantly affect the outcome for the stroke survivor. The acronym, ‘BE FAST’ can help you to identify the signs of a stroke:
Balance – sudden problems with balance or coordination
Eyes – vision problems in one or both eyes, including blurring, double vision, or a total loss of vision
Face – drooping on one side of the person’s face (test this by asking them to smile)
Arms – weakness in one arm (if they hold out both arms, does one arm drift down?)
Speech – difficulty speaking or understanding speech
Time to get help – if you notice any of these symptoms, call for medical help and get the person to a hospital immediately.
Other symptoms of a stroke include confusion, dizziness, numbness of limbs or face (especially on one side of the body) and a sudden, severe headache. Recognising these symptoms early and responding quickly, can minimise the long-term effects of the stroke and can even save the person’s life.
After a Stroke: Changes You May Notice and How to Adapt
The aftermath of a stroke is different for every stroke survivor and depends on the area of the brain affected, as well as the severity of the stroke.
- Many stroke survivors experience physical challenges such as partial paralysis or muscle weakness, which can affect mobility and the ability to perform daily tasks. This may also be compounded by fatigue, a frequent occurrence after strokes.
- There may be cognitive issues such as memory loss or difficulty concentrating or solving problems.
- Emotional changes are common too – some stroke survivors experience mood swings, anxiety, and/or depression.
- Some stroke survivors may also show behavioural changes. These changes may include increased irritability, impulsiveness, or a shift in personality traits depending on the ways in which the stroke has affected the brain.
Care and Support After a Stroke: The benefits of After Stoke Homecare
Each stroke survivor will have unique needs when it comes to care and homecare is tailored entirely to the needs of the individual so that these unique needs will all be met. There are many benefits of after stroke homecare:
- the stroke survivor is able to stay in a familiar, comforting place and does not have to go through the stress of moving;
- regular routines can be maintained with the help of a carer
- Home care is personalised and provides one-on-one support and
- Helps to encourage the stroke survivor to rebuild independence and confidence. It is important to understand that improvement is gradual, and that each small step forward is still progress to be celebrated.
After a stroke, a personalised care plan should be developed in collaboration with healthcare professionals. This care plan might include physical therapy to improve mobility, speech therapy for those dealing with aphasia, and occupational therapy to rebuild the skills needed for daily tasks. It may be necessary to make safety modifications in the home, such as installing grab bars in bathrooms and removing tripping hazards so that falls are less likely. Part of the care plan might also be to establish a routine to make it easier to manage medications, appointments, and daily activities.
Helping your Loved One to Rebuild Lost Skills
The process of rebuilding lost skills is often facilitated by medical professionals but continues in the home with the support of family members and caregivers. It is a gradual process, beginning with simple tasks and slowly increasing in complexity as their abilities improve. Repetition is critical as it helps to strengthen the neural pathways in the brain that were damaged by the stroke.
Caregivers can support this relearning process by creating a supportive environment that encourages practice, celebrates small victories, and maintains a positive outlook. It is essential to be patient with the individual and to tailor activities to their current ability.
Supporting a Loved One with Aphasia
Aphasia, a language disorder caused by damage to the parts of the brain dealing with language, might occur after a stroke. Aphasia can impact one’s ability to speak, understand speech, read, or write. This can be incredibly frustrating and distressing for a stroke survivor. Supporting a loved one with aphasia requires compassion and the use of strategies that facilitate communication. These strategies include:
- simplifying language by using short, straightforward sentences
- or using visual aids like pictures and gestures to convey meaning.
- Encouraging the use of all forms of communication (not just speech) is important for the stroke survivor’s self-esteem and sense of independence.
- Speech therapy is often a vital part of recovery and can significantly improve language skills over time. Family members and caregivers can support the work done in speech therapy by participating in exercises and encouraging consistent practice at home.
Remember: effective communication goes beyond spoken words – it is about connection and understanding.
True Stories About Life After a Stroke
Adapting to Meet New Needs
One family shared their story of how they faced the reality of a stroke together. While they were initially overwhelmed by the diagnosis and the sudden need for care, they found strength in one another and in the support provided by healthcare professionals. They focused on setting small, achievable goals and celebrated every milestone, no matter how minor it seemed. They adapted to the circumstances, modifying their home to accommodate their loved one’s new mobility limitations, and learning different ways of communicating to bridge the gaps left by aphasia. This kind of support and care improved their quality of life and is testament to the power of patience, resilience, and adaptability.
Finding Strength in Support
A caregiver shared her experience of providing post-stroke care for her spouse, emphasising the importance of finding strength through support networks. She recounted the initial shock, and the rapid shift from life partner to full-time caregiver, a role filled with new responsibilities and challenges.
To cope, she sought out community resources, support groups, and respite care services that allowed her to take necessary breaks. These resources not only provided practical assistance but also emotional support, helping her to feel less isolated in her caregiving journey. She firmly believes that leaning on others for help is not a sign of weakness, but a crucial strategy for maintaining one’s well-being, physically, mentally and emotionally, and ensuring the best care for one’s loved one. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that the strength of a caregiver is amplified by the support that they receive from others.
What Support Is There For Stroke Survivors in the UK and Suffolk?
For Suffolk Home Modifications:
Suffolk Mobility Solutions
suffolkmobilitysolutions.co.uk
01449 257071
www.facebook.com/SuffolkMobilitySolutions/ – from ramps, wet rooms, levelling floors, and widening doors to grab rails that all fit the aesthetic of your home. Available throughout Suffolk, including Bury St. Edmunds, Ipswich, Stowmarket, and Woodbridge.
For more information and finding other Suffolk based stroke support services, visit:
www.stroke.org.uk/finding-support/support-services/suffolk-communication-support
For Financial Help, visit: www.stroke.org.uk/stroke/life-after/financial-support
For UK-wide stroke services visit: www.stroke.org.uk/stroke
If you have any questions or need any advice related to care and after stroke support, give us a call on 01728 605 107. Our Care and Training Team will be more than happy to speak with you. If we cannot help you, we will be able to direct you to the most suitable resources or organisations.
