When someone you love has a stroke, your biggest concern is taking care of them in the best way possible. While it is possible for stoke recovery to take place, there are many times when things seem to be different. To take the necessary safety precautions in the home so as to prevent stroke patients from getting injured, there are many tips available that can help you as you begin to take on the role of caregiver.
Once someone has a stroke, they will need to have a few things changed at home in order to make their return safe with accessibility in mind. For the stroke patient who is wheelchair bound, automatic doorways might need to be installed as well as a ramp for easy access into the home. Doorways will need to be at least 32" wide and there should be a 24" clearance from the door on landings. By switching the traditional doorknobs to the lever variety, you can be sure that accessibility is not a problem during stroke recovery.
Upon considering the changes that will need to be made in the home environment, you might find that it is helpful to remove pieces of furniture that are no longer needed, especially if they are creating a cluttered space. Since lighting is often a concern, be sure to use automatic night-lights and plenty of lighting that is in-direct with no glare. Along with the necessary lighting to prevent tripping and falling in lowly lit areas, be sure to tack down rugs, cords, and anything else that could be tripped on in the home.
While all of these tips are great for safety within the home, there are a few other items that can be considered in order to make things seem a little nicer for the patient going through stroke recovery. Since a great deal of time may be spent within the bedroom, be sure to make it bright and cheery in color and lighting. A great way to add some much needed relaxation and distraction to the room is with an aquarium or photos of family and friends on a bulletin board. Keeping everything that may be needed within reach of the bed is a good idea, so consider using a bed organizer that can hold tissues, flashlights, remote controls, or anything else that might be needed for the patient while in bed.
Although there are many things that will need to be considered for the stroke patient coming home for stroke recovery, these few tips can help you start the process. As you continue your role as caregiver, you will likely find a few other things that can be done in order to increase the overall safety and accessibility of the home.
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