How to Care for a Stroke Victim

5 years back my father had a stroke which paralyzed his entire right side. He was not able to do anything with his right hand and leg. He was not even able to talk. This was for the first time I saw my father so helpless. But with the help of the doctor, medications, and our family support, my father is now back to his normal self.

Though the right side of his body is still a little weak, he can do everything using his left side and manage to work from his right side too. The advice and instructions given by the doctor on how to care for a stroke victim have played a major role in helping him to recover from the stroke.

So, here I am going to discuss some of the tips on to recover quickly and perfectly.

A stroke is defined as condition caused due to improper blood supply to the brain, either due to the blocked blood vessels or bleeding inside the brain (hemorrhage). As the brain is the controlling system of the body, and works with the help of oxygen, in a stroke the brain gets deprived of oxygen which results in the death of the brain cells. This hampers the activity of the body, and can also be fatal.

Hence, it is very important to treat a stroke as soon as possible to avoid complications. But only treatment will not be enough. For your loved ones to completely recover from this problem, you need to take proper and extra care. Following are some points which will help you to understand the importance and necessity of care and affection.

A stroke stops the normal functioning of the brain and sometimes it affects the brain so much that the person loses his ability to speak, and perform even his daily activities. This needs a perfect rehabilitation program in which the person is given small tasks to perform which improves the functioning of the brain.

These rehabilitation programs are provided by hospitals before the patient is discharged. Here your work is to provide complete support and encouragement which will help in the quick recovery of the person. Encourage your loved ones to take the tasks individually, and help them to solve their difficulties. This will give them confidence to return to a normal life.

A person who does everything on his own is suddenly not able to walk, or even eat on his own. This can be very frustrating and depressing.

Hence, to help your loved ones to come out of this frustration the best way is to lend your emotional support. Spend quality time with them, help them when they are bored, watch television, play games, take them for a movie or outing. Understand their difficulties and help them to overcome every problem.

Your support and love can really work wonders and can give a new life to your loved ones.

As stroke victims are not able to perform their daily activities, supportive devices are very helpful to them in such a condition. Activities like eating, getting dressed, walking, etc. can be easily performed with the help of simple devices.

Wheelchair, walker, easy-to-grip silverware, cups with t-shaped handles, shower benches, raised toilet seats, fixed grab bars, are some of the supportive devices. These devices will help them as well as give them confidence to perform their daily tasks on their own.

A stroke may cause many communication difficulties. The brain may not catch up with spoken words, and may take a lot of time to understand or respond.

Hence, you need to be very calm, slow and clear in whatever you say. Repeat the question if they are unable to understand. Listen to them very carefully, and make proper eye contact. Try to encourage them to speak, and do not correct them in every mistake as it can frustrate and embarrass them.

Avoid taking them to big gatherings or crowded places as they may feel conscious about their problem of communication.

Stroke victims may face the problem of psychological changes. They may sometimes become very depressed, aggressive or frustrated. In such instances you need to understand the change in their behavior. Take the help of a psychologist or psychiatrist and, if possible, take the victim for counseling.

Take help and guidance from the doctor so as to understand the person's condition in detail. Your love and affection towards them is the best remedy to overcome the problems of a stroke. Care for them as much as you can, and encourage them to do everything which they used to do earlier. Make them understand how much you love them as they need you more than any medical help.