Strokes can be difficult to recover from, but a huge part of stroke recovery is simply managing life at home in as normal a manner as possible.Stroke survivors will want some independence in their everyday activities, and finding ways to provide that is huge in the process of recovering from a stroke.
Preparing to Go Home
Before you go home arrange a home visit by an occupational therapist. An OT will help you to manage daily activities and regain your independence. They will check your home and suggest simple changes to make everyday living easier. These changes should be done before you get home. For example, if you are going to be in a wheel chair for a while, change areas of your home to allow for a wheelchair, such as the front door, bathroom spaces, etc. This can be done by moving furniture out of the way to make room for a wheelchair or for walking with a walker or cane.
Your family should also purchase equipment to make getting into and out of the shower or bathtub easier, so that you can bathe yourself.
Staying Safe
One of the problems with stroke is that it can make everyday things much more difficult, and for some, over extending themselves may result in falls, and other dangerous situations. So, a big part of recovering from a stroke is staying safe. Have emergency phone numbers in large print on index cards next to the phone. Have people check in with you regularly, and always drive with someone else in the car.
Getting Around Safely
Getting around your home safely is huge in recovery. So move extra furniture out of the way, either to corners or another room. Clear paths to the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom, and any other regularly used room in your home. Do not have electrical cords out of pathways. Purchase non slip shoes, get rid of rugs, install handrails for support in going up and down stairs, and anything else you may need.
Using The Bathroom
Recovering from a stroke depends a lot on how well you can do things for yourself, and one thing most people do not want help with is using the bathroom. The problem is that bathrooms are usually tight places and can pose challenges to those disabled by stroke. So, in order to make bathing both simple and safe, implement the following:
– Sturdy hand rails
– Grab bars in the tub or shower
– Non-slip flooring strips installed inside and outside of the tub
– Bath tub benches and toilet chairs
– Easy-to-use water control knobs with easily seen settings or long-handled levers.
– An adjustable or handheld showerhead.
– Bathing supplies that are easy to reach and use.
Make using the toilet easier and safer by installing grab bars near by to allow one to stable themselves when getting on or off the toilet. Consider installing a raised toilet seat or toilet seat riser to reduce the distance and difficulty in sitting down and getting up. Also, in order to avoid embarrassment should using the toilet prove difficulty, always keep a change of clothing handy in the bathroom for the unexpected.
Also, consider whether or not your bathroom sinks are easy to use and to access.Faucets can be hard to turn and bathroom products hard to use.So, go for a one-piece faucet that has lever handles or long extensions, allowing you to turn water on and off with a fist or arm movement. Also, should you be wheelchair bound, look for acut-out or roll-under sink, which allows room for your legs underneath the sink while you are sitting.
Get soaps, shampoos, and other grooming products in squeeze bottles and pumps, because they are easier to use than other options. Try a flip-top toothpaste tube, a toothbrush with a larger handle, and an electric razor. All of these items will make life easier for the stroke victim and allow them to get some dignity at the ability to get themselves ready.