Questions
to Ask
- What type of stroke was it?
- How has stroke affected the survivor?
- What stroke treatments and therapies (i.e. low-dose aspirin
therapy) will assist with the recovery?
- What types of treatments and therapies can be administered
at home?
- Which community services can assist with stroke management?
- What kinds of home modifications would make it easier
for the person with stroke to continue living at home?
- Is it time to consider other housing options?
- Is financial assistance available to cover the cost of
rehabilitation services, home care, home modifications and
other programs and services relating to stroke care and
management?
- Are there stroke support groups in the area — for
stroke survivors and caregivers?
Steps to Take
Immediate medical attention for stroke
Immediate
medical attention for stroke is crucial because tPA, a clot-buster
drug is only effective if it is given within three hours of
the first sign of stroke symptoms. Intravenous administration
of tPA (tissue plasminogen activator) helps restore blood flow
to the brain and limit the amount of brain damage. tPA works
only for strokes caused by blood clots. It may be lethal if
used to treat strokes caused by bleeding in the brain. A medical
assessment is essential before treatment begins.
Medical assessment
- physical exam
- electrocardiogram — to test heart function
- neurological exams — to test language and memory
skills, eyesight and body co-ordination
- CT scan — to confirm whether the stroke is due to
bleeding or a blot clot; also helps rule out tumours and
other conditions that mimic stroke
- other diagnostic tests, if necessary
- Learn as much as you can about stroke, particularly the
type of stroke, the person
had
- Find out the effects of the stroke on the survivor and
learn how to deal with special
situations
- Arrange for the stroke survivor to receive appropriate
rehabilitation and community services
- Learn at-home coping strategies
- Learn about helpful products and
devices to assist with stroke recovery and stroke management
- Contact health associations and organizations that can
offer assistance with stroke
At-home
Coping Strategies
- Provide a supportive family and home environment
- Find out what to expect during the stroke recovery process
- Consider the physical and emotional needs of the person
with stroke
- Ask health professionals for tips and techniques on how
to manage the special situations
that arise as a result of stroke
- Make home modifications where
possible
- Talk to a physician, physiotherapist, nurse, pharmacist
or medical supplier about helpful products
that will assist the stroke survivor.
- Seek help from a variety of sources: health professionals,
family members, community resources, health associations
and organizations
- Join a stroke support group
- Arrange for psychological counselling if you notice signs
of depression in the stroke survivor.
- Caregivers — take care of your own health. Watch
for signs
of caregiver stress and seek help immediately.
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A progress journal can track improvements and promote
a sense of achievement. |
Helpful
Products
Helpful products for stroke management can be purchased from
hospitals, pharmacies, medical equipment and supply stores
and catalogues.
Bathroom
equipment and accessories
- grab bars
- handrails
- raised toilet seat
- tub bench seat
- hydraulic tub lift
- tub mat
- hand-held shower
- commode
Mobility devices
- chairlift
- elevator
- wheelchair
- walker
Eating utensils
Continence management
products
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