Being a caregiver for someone who just had a stroke can be difficult both physically and emotionally. It’s a scary experience that you, in all likelihood, have no prior training/knowledge on how to handle. That’s why it’s important to know the right steps to take after someone you love has had a stroke and how to seek help should you need it.
In this article, we’ll break down what a stroke is, the signs of a stroke, how to care for someone who has recently had a stroke, and the lingering effects you may see in your loved one.
Signs of a stroke
Before we dive into caring for someone after a stroke, let’s break down what a stroke is and the signs someone may experience while having a stroke.
According to Mayo Clinic, “An ischemic stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is blocked or reduced. This prevents brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. Brain cells begin to die in minutes.
Another type of stroke is a hemorrhagic stroke. It occurs when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or bursts and causes bleeding in the brain. The blood increases pressure on brain cells and damages them.”
No matter what type your loved one experienced, it’s important to know the signs so you as a caregiver can take swift action. Here are some of the signs your loved one may be having a stroke:
Difficulty seeing out of one or both eyes.
Trouble feeling their arms, face, or legs. This can be in the form of paralysis, numbness, or even weakness.
Trouble understanding or speaking.
Inability to walk.
Severe headache that comes on quickly. This can result in dizziness, vomiting, or blacking out.
A commonly used acronym is B.E.F.A.S.T. to help recognize the signs of a stroke, more information can be found here: Signs/Symptoms | BE FAST for Stroke
Note: A stroke is a medical emergency. If you feel your loved one is experiencing any of these signs you should seek medical attention immediately.
Now let’s take a look at how to care for someone after they have had a stroke.
Learn more about the stroke
The first thing you should do as a caregiver is to seek more information on what happened, why your loved one had a stroke, and how to provide the support they will need.
Here are some questions to consider asking:
What caused the stroke?
What type of stroke was it?
Which part of the brain was affected?
Is there a way to prevent future strokes?
Will this have long-lasting effects?
What are we looking at in terms of rehab?
Build a support network
Take a moment to survey other friends and family for support. Building a support network is as much for you as it is for your loved one.
Where possible:
Reach out to family and friends for support and comfort.
Build a group that can assist in doctor appointments, picking up medicine, cooking, and cleaning.
Or consider asking a community organization (like a local church or charity) for help or joining a support group if family and friends are not nearby. There are many support groups for both the caregiver and those affected by the stroke that can point you in the right direction.
Take time for yourself
Seeing a loved one have a stroke can be a terrifying and overwhelming experience. But regardless of the new situation you now find yourself in, it’s important not to let the rest of your life slip away.
Make sure you continue to do things you love, exercise and eat a balanced diet. Keeping yourself mentally and physically healthy will go a long way in your ability to care for your loved one. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or burnt out, make sure to use your support system or a respite care option where needed to allow yourself the time and space to heal too.
Post-stroke care
After a stroke, rehabilitation is crucial to long-term quality of life. The first year is the most important.
According to stroke.org, “The greatest percentage of recovery usually occurs in the first year after a stroke, although it might continue for years — particularly if survivors keep working on the areas they want to improve.”
As a caregiver, you will likely need to advocate on your loved one’s behalf to ensure they receive the attention they need on their journey to recovery. Talk to your loved one’s team of medical professionals to see what the right steps are for the type of stroke they suffered from. Beyond basic exercises, there are also a number of rehabilitation services at your disposal to consider. These include:
Physical therapy
Speech/language therapy
Hearing therapy
Nutritionists
Nursing homes
Counseling/social work
Chaplaincy
Occupational therapy
These are just some of the services that may be right for your loved one. Make sure to continue to speak with medical professionals should you need more support.
Prepare for the future
Unfortunately, having a stroke puts most people at a high risk of having another one. As a caregiver, it’s important to be prepared just in case you find yourself in this situation again. That’s why we recommend having an emergency kit ready and put away just in case. In this emergency kit, we recommend including:
Contact lists: this should include all doctors and physicians, loved ones, and friends you may need to contact.
Medications: Make a list of all medications your loved one is currently taking (including over-the-counter supplements). Have not only the type but also the dosage written down in case you need a refill or to compare compatibility with other/new prescriptions.
Insurance cards
Effects of a stroke
Knowing some of the ways a stroke can affect your loved one will help you prepare for their care. Although side effects of a stroke will vary depending on many different circumstances (like the strength of the stroke, the health of your loved one, etc.), here are a few of the physical and mental side effects you could see:
Physical
Unexplained pain
Sensitivity to hot and cold
Light sensitivity
Swallowing problems
Tiredness
Vision issues
Shoulder pain
Hammertoe
Seizures
Muscle tightness
Fatigue
Mental/Cognitive
Memory loss
Depression
Anxiety
Unexpected crying or laughing
Dementia
Closing Thoughts: Caring for Someone After a Stroke
Caring for someone who has experienced a stroke can be scary – the severity and longevity or symptoms, along with the risks of reoccurrence, and the uncertainty of the immediate after-effects can throw you for an emotional loop.
Thankfully, the California Caregiver Resource Center of Orange County is here to provide assistance and guidance to help you through it. Check out our library of resources to help you navigate this experience. Together, we can navigate the healthcare landscape and help you provide the best possible care for your loved one(s).
Further Reading: Navigating Resentment as a Caregiver
Caregiver resentment is a common emotional challenge that family caregivers face, way more often than they may admit (so you’re not alone in this even if it feels like it). Your resentment is natural, but it doesn't have to define your caregiving experience. In the end, finding balance and support is the key to a sustainable and fulfilling caregiving journey.
So let’s talk about it: dive in here.
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