Stroke may seriously affect one’s physical and speech abilities. Hence it is understandable that the patients’ emotions will fluctuate.  The role of caregivers and supporters thus becomes significant. Facing such a sudden change, how should a caregiver and stroke patient embark on the road to recovery together?

1) How to comfort a patient who is in depression?

The patients may be frustrated as they can no longer take care of themselves. At this moment, caregivers should encourage the patients, calm them down and try to discuss with them the way out. It is also advisable that caregivers should treat the patients as an ordinary people and avoid focusing on their health issues in daily conversation.

2) What if the patient refuses to have medical treatment？

Some patients may feel depressed when the recovery process slow down. In some cases, they may even refuse to communicate with family members or receive rehabilitation exercises or treatment. The carers should give account of the recovery process to the patients and set the short-term target together with them, allowing the patients to understand and moderate their expectations for rehabilitation. Also, the caregivers can join the carer’s mutual aid organization, thereby enhancing communication with others and seeking peer support.

3) When a patient’s language ability is affected, what can we do?

Some patients who suffered from stroke may have their speaking ability affected. The caregivers can enroll them with speech therapy services in the community and encourage them to receive professional training. In addition, caregivers and patients can develop unique communication methods between themselves, for example, by using picture text cards or handwriting boards.

4) How to cope with the patient’s abnormal behaviour?

Some stroke patients may have abnormal behaviour. For instance, they may be much ruder than before. The carers should learn to understand and accept the changes. If the patient has abnormal behaviours in the public area, the carer and friend can reassure the patient, lead him/her away from the scene, and find way to distract him/her. Let the patient knows clearly that what he/she has expressed is inappropriate after the patient calmed down.

5) What if the patient always overestimates his/her abilities and does dangerous actions?

The carer should let the patient understands the dangers of his/her specific movements and let him/her to learn correct posture and related safety precaution methods.

6) What should we do when the patient becomes over dependence?

When the patient becomes over dependences and is unwilling to try anything, the carer can assign some simple tasks to the patient, and bit by bit feeding them with sense of success.

7) What should we do when the patient face memory loss?

Establish a reminder method, allowing the patient to practice memory training, and avoid excessive nagging.

8) I am EXTREMELY TIRED! What should I do?

Caregivers tend to over-focus on the patient and neglect their own physical and mental needs. As a carer, if you feel that your emotional health is sounding the alarm, it is essential  to decompress and give yourself a break. Always remember: You can’t take good care of your beloved one if you cannot take good care of yourself!  We are always on your side.

Source: My stroke guide