There are many things a caregiver needs to be proficient in for the proper care of stroke victims. Here are the basics of stroke care for family and friends who have opted to provide care to stroke patients.
1. The First 24 Hours - The key is not to panic. You have to act fast, be sharp-minded and proactive. Make sure that your friend or family suffering a stroke is well-attended to by medical staff as soon as they are wheeled into the emergency room and that ample steps are made to avoid brain damage. The first 3 hours of suffering a stroke are very important in a victim's life as it is during this time that relevant measures can be undertaken to prevent any grave disability from happening to the patient and to allow immediate recovery.
2. The First Month - The key here is not to be overwhelmed with the changes that have taken place. By this time, the initial effects of stroke on the patient is already determined while the patient is recovering vital statistics in the hospital. Caregivers should get as much information to better understand stroke, its complexities, impact on the patient's life, and the measures to provide support and care to the patient. Acceptance and understanding of the situation is necessary for the caregiver to provide ample emotional support and aid in patient recovery.
3. The First Six Months - The key now is to get organized. The patient's condition has now stabilized and steps to recovery are put in place. It is a must for the caregiver to prepare the patient in returning home, in the form of adjustments needed to be made to work around the patient's disability. It is also during this time that the caregiver will work with a the team of specialists who will assist in the recovery of the patient. Other things to consider are getting to know the patient's different equipment, the proper patient posture and movements during various daily activities, medications and schedule of intake, schedule of checkups and treatments, the daily routine that needs to be established, dietary restrictions, and exercise program. It is best that learning how to alleviate the consequences pain, for example, be setup together with support recovery such as taking medications, to help in improving functional outcomes.
4. The First Year & Onwards - The key now is to get support. It is important that a caregiver gets assistance for his own sanity and health through support groups where one can also learn more about caregiving. It is also during this time that necessary precautions be set to prevent another stroke.
Stroke is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. It is imperative that the basics of stroke care be mustered by family and friends who act as caregivers to stroke victims along with proper care for oneself.
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