Strokes occur suddenly, and without any warning, life is forever altered for both the stroke patient and the patient's caregivers, who are often his or her immediate family members. Assisting a patient with stroke recovery is as life-altering as the stroke itself, and caregivers face a new role for which they are often unprepared. They must learn a new way of life, learn the practical skills of caring for a stroke patient, and process their own emotions during a most difficult time. While many caregivers understandably become focused on the practical details of day to day life, one of the most practical and often overlooked areas of caregiving is for the caregiver to take care of him or herself. Following are some tips for caregivers to follow in this endeavor.
First, in order to help the patient through stroke recovery, the caregiver must take the time to acknowledge the new reality in which he or she lives. Many caregivers go through periods of feeling lost, underappreciated, and alone; some may even go through a period of mourning their previous lifestyle. The caregiver must, when realizing this new reality, be realistic about what he or she can handle and which tasks must be delegated when possible. It is often unwise, if not impossible, for one person to handle every stroke recovery need.
It is also vital for caregivers to reach out for support. Find others who have been in your situation, and find advice from them when appropriate. It is also a good idea to spend time simply talking to a confidante. Another important way to find support is to clearly communicate your needs to those are there to help, whether that is other family members, nursing staff, doctors, or other caregivers. Be clear, concise, and realistic in communication during these times in order to avoid frustrating situations.
A big need of caregivers for stroke patients is time to refresh themselves. However, time away is often difficult to find. Many caregivers find that taking short breaks, such as a daily walk or a quiet time alone in the evening, helps them recharge and refresh themselves so that they have the emotional and physical energy required to care for the stroke patient around the clock.
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