Stroke affects every patient differently and people tend to recover differently. Rehabilitation usually involves making alterations in the emotional, physical and social aspects of your life. These changes will prevent reoccurrence of stroke and facilitate your recovery. There is life after a stroke when you receive the best rehabilitation and care. Here are a few guidelines on stroke recovery and rehabilitation.
Stop depression
Almost half of people who suffer from stroke may experience depression. This can significantly affect the rehabilitation and recovery of a patient. You should watch out for symptoms of depression in your loved one, for example, change in attitude or challenges controlling emotions. Friends and family can help patients and alert them when they see any signs of depression. You should consult a physician so that an action plan can be devised to prevent depression.
Use your insurance
It is crucial to learn the ins and outs of your medical insurance. This is because your indemnity may partially or fully cover your recovery treatment after your stroke. It is best to talk to your physician or social worker to determine the recovery processes involved. You should also consult your insurance company to find out what is covered and how much you will pay from your pockets.
Boost safety in your home
Most stroke patients may have an increased risk of falling after suffering from stroke. Falls can be fatal because they can result in bleeding, bruising or fractures. You can avoid falls by ensuring that your hallways and walkways are free from clutter, the rugs are secure and the floor is not slippery. You can also add grab bars in areas that are slippery, for example, the bathroom, to enhance safety.
Make your dressing easier
Most people have challenges carrying out simple tasks after a stroke, for example, tying shoes and getting dressed. You can make your stroke recovery easier by purchasing shoes that have elastic laces or Velcro so that you can easily slip them on and off. For clothes, you can opt for trousers or pants that have elastic waistbands instead of zippers and shirts that fasten using snaps or Velcro.
Lower the risks of a second stroke
Stroke mainly occurs as a result of medical conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes or hypertension. This means that you are more likely to get another stroke if you suffer from any of these conditions. Therefore, you should ensure that you manage your health by taking your medications for diabetes, blood pressure or any other medical conditions as directed by your doctor. Be sure to eat healthy meals that are rich in lean protein and fiber and low in processed food, salt and fat. Be sure to have a regular exercise regimen to maintain a healthy weight.
Stroke victims usually see tremendous improvement during the first four months after having a stroke. However, most patients will keep on improving as months pass by. It is best for the patient to pay close attention to their progress to determine whether their recovery plan should be adjusted or not. Different therapies may benefit your recovery progress as you health improves.
Author Bio
Mary Wells is a doctor with over 20 years’ experience dealing with stroke patients. She has vast knowledge on the disease and effective treatment regimens. You can follow her website to learn more about stroke recovery.
