Strokes can be very difficult for the survivor as well as for the family. A huge part of a successful recovery is simply helping the stroke victim to regain some of their independence after a stroke. There are many things that are taken for granted that symbolize independence. You may not even think of the little things like the ability to dress yourself, until you can’t anymore.
The following are some areas and options for helping stroke victims to gain back their independence after a stroke.
Cooking and Meal Preparation
If a stroke survivor lives alone, or just wants to be able to fix food for themselves, it may be difficult to handle the fact that they can no longer handle basic kitchen equipment, such as a can opener. However, there are many small electric appliances and kitchen modifications which also make it possible for the stroke survivor to participate in meal preparation, and regain some independence in this area.
Dressing and Grooming
Dressing oneself is a basic form of independence. Also, being able to look neat and attractive despite disabilities can enhances a stroke survivor’s self-image, and keep them from depression and other common problems of stroke survivors.
There are many ways to eliminate the difficulties in getting dressed. The following is a bullet list of things you can do to help stroke survivors have independence in this areas:
– Avoid tight-fitting sleeves, armholes, pant legs and waistlines.
– Avoid clothes which must be put on over the head.
– Chose clothes that fasten in front.
– Replace buttons, zippers and shoe laces with Velcro fastners.
– Purchase devices which can aid in dressing and grooming, including a mirror which hangs around the neck, a long-handled shoe horn and a device to help pull on stockings.
All of these suggestions will only slightly change their norm, and allow for greater independence and happiness.
Diet, Nutrition and Eating
One of the best ways to help a stroke victim regain independence after stroke is to help ensure they do not suffer from a second stroke. One of the best ways to do this is through their diet. A low-salt, low-fat, low-cholesterol diet can help prevent a recurrent stroke. People with high blood pressure should limit the amount of salt they eat. Those with high cholesterol or hardening of the arteries should avoid foods containing high levels of saturated fats (i.e., animal fats).
Another benefit of the above diet choices is that these diet choices help to control can enhance the benefits of the drugs which may have been prescribed for control of a specific condition. Thus, their medication will work better, and recovery and independence after a stroke will be faster as well.
Also, part of the diet is to help control weight. Many stroke victims lose their ability to be active. Inactive people can easily become overweight from eating more than a sedentary lifestyle requires. This compounds the problems they already have as obesity can also make it difficult for someone with a stroke-related disability to move around and exercise.
Some stroke survivors have difficulty eating because they do not have as good of control. If this is the case, you can purchase special utensils can help people with physically-impaired arms and hands at the table. These include flatware with built-up handles which are easier to grasp, rocker knives for cutting food with one hand and attachable rings which keep food from being pushed off the plate accidentally.
There are many steps you can take to help a stroke survivor adjust back to their previous life and still have independence after a stroke.