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Home care after a stroke
care after stroke · caring for a bedridden stroke patient · stroke rehabilitation at home · stroke at home
A guide for family: how to help a person at home after a stroke, safely and without extra risks.
When a person has been discharged home after a stroke.
⏱ Duration: recovery usually takes months; care is needed every day
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Home. Remove rugs and cords, and put grab bars in the bathroom and toilet.
- Medicines. Give them exactly as prescribed. Do not stop them on your own.
- Exercises. Ask the rehabilitation specialist which exercises to do at home.
What to bring
- Hospital discharge papers
- A list of medicines
- A blood pressure monitor
How it goes
- If the person lies in bed, turn them every 2 hours
- Check the skin on the heels, tailbone and shoulder blades every day
- Feed them sitting up, in small portions, without rushing
- Help with the exercises the specialist showed
- Encourage them to do everything they can by themselves
- Measure blood pressure and write it down
What you'll feel
- Recovery is slow and uneven. This is normal
- Caring is tiring. Family also need rest and help
Afterwards
- Go to follow-up visits with the doctor
- Keep an eye on blood pressure and blood sugar
- If it is hard to cope, ask about help from social services
Contact a doctor straight away if
- New weakness of an arm or leg, a drooping face, trouble speaking: call your local emergency number
- Sudden severe headache or loss of consciousness: call your local emergency number
- Coughing and choking while eating, fever: see a doctor urgently
Common questions
When is recovery fastest?
Usually in the first months. But improvement can continue for longer.
How can another stroke be prevented?
Take medicines as prescribed, control blood pressure, and stop smoking and drinking alcohol.