8 Ways to Support Stroke Survivors with Their Recovery 

Samantha Higgins shared with Healthy Lombard that when a person suffers from a stroke, the consequences can be life-altering. The physical and emotional challenges of stroke recovery are immense, but with a little help from a loved one, the recovery process can be much smoother and more efficient. If you have a friend or family recovering from a stroke, here are some ways to support them with their recovery.

Get Them Accessories to Aid in the Recovery

While it is important to provide emotional support to stroke survivors during their recovery, it is also important that they have the necessary accessories to help them recover. Accessories can include items such as adaptive equipment like drop foot brace and clothing, which can assist in improving the quality of life for those who have suffered a stroke.

Accompany Them to Physician Appointments

An important part of the recovery process is visiting a physician regularly so they can check on the progress of the individual and make any necessary adjustments to their treatment plan. By accompanying them to physician appointments, you can provide emotional support as well as practical assistance. You can make sure they are not late for their appointments and adhere to measures prescribed by the doctor.

Be Patient

Being patient is another important thing you can do when supporting stroke survivors with their recovery. It can be difficult to watch someone you care about struggle and not be able to do anything to help, but it’s important to remember that recovery takes time. There will be good days and bad days, but as long as you are patient and offer your support, the survivor will eventually make a full recovery.

Encourage Socialization

Walking into a social setting can be daunting for anyone, but it can be even more difficult for someone who has experienced a stroke. It can be hard to find the words or to participate in conversations. However, there are ways to make socializing as comfortable and safe for stroke survivors as possible, including joining support groups.

Help Them Set Goals

The recovery process is gradual and can take many months or even years. It is important for stroke survivors to have goals to work towards when recovering, as this will help them maintain motivation and keep on track. Some helpful goals may include talking, walking, and improving relationships with family and friends. Additionally, it is important for survivors to understand that their recovery will be different for each person and that there is no right way to recover. They should accept themselves and their diagnosis wholeheartedly and strive to be their best selves.

Be a Resource

Information and resources can be a huge support for stroke survivors during their recovery. If the patient wants to know about the physical, emotional, and cognitive effects of stroke, there are many websites and books that provide information on these topics, and you can help them access these resources. You can also help them find support groups and recovery therapists. If they can get someone to listen to them and offer support, they will likely feel more comfortable recovering.

Help With Activities of Daily Living

Another important way to support a person recovering from a stroke is to help them with activities of daily living. Daily activities may include dressing, bathing, grooming, and eating. You can also help them with physical therapy exercises, which is a crucial part of recovery, as it helps the stroke survivor regain strength and mobility. The sooner they regain strength, the sooner they will regain their self-esteem and feel in control of their life again.

Help With Communication

Many survivors have difficulty communicating due to changes in their abilities after the stroke, which can be frustrating and isolating, but there are ways to help. One way to support survivors is by helping them to find ways to recover language and alternative ways to communicate, including helping them to learn sign language or to use communication aids such as apps or boards.

Bottom Line

Stroke survivors are often faced with a lot of challenges during their recovery. Supporting them through their recovery can help them feel more connected to the world, making their rehabilitation easier. It also helps to provide a sense of hope and encouragement, which can be crucial when they feel overwhelmed.