RespiteMatch.com Health Blog

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

Know the risk factors for stroke
Know the warning signs of stroke
Seek immediate medical attention for stroke at a hospital emergency department.
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.
A progress journal can track improvements and promote a sense of achievement.

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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 Top

Continence management products