You are shocked to utter disbelief. A loved one who has been in your life forever and has always been strong, healthy and happy has suddenly collapsed and is in Intensive Care in the hospital. The doctors are calling it a stroke. They say the first seventy two hours are critical, and once that bridge is crossed, there is a good chance for survival. Survival? What do they mean by that? Will things go back to normal? The doctors are muttering something about long term care by the family. Long term... Oh no, how will we handle this? Your head is spinning.
Let's stop for a moment and take a long deep breath. Let's take a few moments to look at what stroke recovery really means for the patient, and for the family. After the basic treatment for the stroke is over, then the patient will be referred to a facility for some physical, occupational and speech therapy if needed. Depending on the abilities and needs of the patient, there may be a brief stay at the therapy facility as an in-patient. Eventually the patient is able to go home with assistance from the family and probably with home care services that will do the therapies plus give baths and provide other services. These are all worked out with the patients insurance and a case planner and a family member.
As far as home preparations, of major essence is the patient's safety. Someone will come out to your home and help you decide what needs to be done to make things workable for all family members concerned. If your home is a two storey home, then arrangements may need to be made for a first floor bedroom which will be an inconvenience, but not when love is involved. Safety issues need to be addressed like smoke, CO detectors and emergency fire escape plans. Loose carpets and mats need to be removed. Check for items like cords that could cause tripping.
For the stroke recovery Patient, the bedroom needs to be a comfortable place. You may need to rent a hospital bed, have a bedside table, a trapeze bar, a bedside commode, a radio and television, books, other reading materials, etc. Have a flashlight available on the nightstand. The bathroom needs to be filled with non slip equipment, including grab rails on the back on the toilet, the edge of the vanity and in the shower or tub. Non skid safety strips should be in the shower.
With the comforts of home, and the proper care and therapies, the stroke recovery makes pass quickly and the patient will be back to normal quickly. Good luck to all.
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