4 Tips for Caregivers of Stroke Victims

2 July 2015
 Categories: Health & Medical , Blog

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When a loved one has had a stroke and you are caring for them, it can be a challenging job to take on. Here are some caregiving tips that will ensure that you take good care of your loved one as they recover.

Find Out as Much as You Can

One of the barriers to good care of a stroke victim is lack of knowledge about what has happened and how long recovery will take. Your loved one's doctor should be able to explain their prognosis and give you some idea of how long they may need to recover, but you need to do your own research as well. For instance, know what kinds of medications your loved one is taking, and what each medication does. That way, if your loved one has side effects from any of the medications, you are ready to deal with those. The more you know about your loved one's condition, the better you can care for them.

Encourage Independence

Depending on the severity of the stroke, your loved one may not be able to do certain things by themselves, such as bathing. However, it is a good idea to find out what they can do, and to allow them to do it. For instance, your loved one may be able to feed themselves with a spoon. Don't make an attempt to do everything for them; allow them to maintain a sense of control when possible. Be on the lookout for ways to help your loved one regain their independence.

Seek Out a Support Group

A support group, either online or offline, can be useful for both you and your loved one. If you are having problems, a support group is full of people who have been where you are and can provide you with suggestions. As a result, you can be a better caregiver. You can also get emotional support there as well, because other caregivers understand what you are going through.

Take a Break

While you may be the primary caregiver to your loved one, to provide them with the very best care it is essential for you to take breaks. If you don't get any help taking care of them, you may soon burn out and become tired, irritable, and impatient with your loved one. Enlist the help of relatives, friends or a home care agency so that you can have some time to yourself. When you return, you will find that you feel refreshed and ready to take on your duties again.

Taking care of a loved one who has had a stroke can be challenging but rewarding. If you need help, contact a home health care agency like Catawba County Home Health Agency that can provide you with professional assistance from trained medical personnel.