The Arizona Republic - 06/01/2019
How to care for a loved
one following a stroke
Your Turn
Cambria Nwosu
Guest columnist
Recovering from a stroke can be a
challenging time as survivors relearn
how to care for themselves, overcome
mobility issues or change how they
communicate. Caregivers can help by
encouraging their loved one to be as in-
dependent as possible, helping them
make their own decisions, and promot-
ing participation in leisure activities.
Support groups from Arizona hospi-
tals and local organizations can help.
Here in the greater Phoenix area there
are many resources not only for patients
recovering from stoke, but also for those
close to the patient who want to help
with recovery.
Caring for a stroke patient should be
tailored to individual needs, such as re-
solving problems with coordination and
balance, overcoming difficulty with
memory or thinking, and adapting to
changes in bowel and bladder habits.
Caregivers may ease the transition
from hospital to home by taking steps to
ensure the safety, comfort and continu-
ing recovery. Changes to the home can
be customized to meet the patient’s spe-
cific requirements in certain areas, such
as the:
If a stroke survivor uses a wheelchair
they may benefit from an over-the-
stove mirror so they can see what is on
the stove and a roll-under stove for easi-
er access. Make sure oven mittens and
hot pads are available to prevent burns
and a fire extinguisher is within easy
reach.
Make sure there is a clear pathway to
the bathroom to avoid tripping over
something in the dark. Place a com-
mode chair next to the bed if the stroke
patient has difficulty getting to the
bathroom quickly enough. Change han-
dles on cabinets so drawers can be
opened with a fist, rather than fingers.
Place clothes in easily accessible
drawers and lower the hanging bar in
the closet. Help the stroke patient select
clothes that close in the front, have Vel-
cro fasteners rather than buttons or zip-
pers, and avoid pull-over shirts. Buy
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dressing aids such as a long-handled
shoe horn to help the stroke patient get
dressed on their own.
Install grab bars to assist with stabil-
ity getting into and out of the shower. A
bathmat or non-skid bath decals on the
floor of the shower provides traction on
a slick area. A transfer tub bench, fold-
out bath bench or a roll-in shower can
make it easier to get in and out of the tub
or shower.
Make sure levers on faucets have
long handles so they are easy to turn.
Mark settings on heat control knobs so
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the stroke patient can select the proper
temperature. You may need to adjust
the water heater temperature to prevent
scalding. Purchase a long-handled
sponge and soap pump to help aid in the
washing process. Place towels and tow-
CLEA
el bars at a height within easy reach.
Caregivers also may be involved in
coordinating the stroke patient’s reha-
bilitation, which is vital to long-term re-
covery. Under doctor’s orders, the stroke
survivor may require such services as
physical therapy, occupational therapy,
nutritional care, rehabilitation counsel-
ing or speech/language pathology.
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These services may be provided in the
home, or at long-term care facilities or
rehabilitation hospitals.
Caregivers should remember that
they are not alone and should not feel
overwhelmed in accepting the responsi-
bility to care for the stroke survivor.
Support groups are available to address
the needs and concerns of family care-
givers. For example, the free monthly
functional communication group meet-
ings at Abrazo Central Campus offers
To sched
support and strategies to facilitate on-
going recovery and increased independ- visit coit
call 480
ence for stroke survivors and care-
givers. You can learn more by calling
602-246-5342.
The American Stroke Association
also offers an online stroke support
group finder at strokeassociation.org. Air Duct
Simply click on Support Group Finder,
enter your ZIP code and you’ll find mul- Furniture
tiple resources near your home.
Peoria resident Cambria Nwosu, Minimum charge app
MSN, RN, CNOR, CSSM, is a neurosur- apply to service charge
gery nurse navigator and stroke coordi-
nator at Abrazo Central Campus in
Phoenix.
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