subject: Home Care For Stroke Victims [print this page] If you or a loved one has suffered a stroke, then you understand it is not an easy diagnosis to live with. While we often think of seniors suffering from a stroke, in reality, anyone can have one. The damage incurred depends on how bad the stroke was and what part of the brain suffered the stroke. Depending on the area, one can suffer from motor function problems, slurred speech, paralysis, and more. No matter the severity, physical and speech therapy are needed.
The effects of a stroke are long-term, chronic and because they will not dissipate, victims must learn how to compensate. Pain can be managed and needs to be if one expects to improve quality of life. Through physical, occupational, and speech therapy, patients increase flexibility, motor functions, and communication skills. Both long-term and short-term rehab is available, but home health care is another option that many are turning to.
Physical therapy is, usually, not a once a week appointment for stroke victims. The more severe the damage, the more therapy will be needed. Also, depending on what areas of the brain were affected, it may not be easy to travel to rehab centers. Many health care providers also offer home health care. Home care can make rehabilitation that much more comfortable, and potentially easier. We all feel the most comfortable in our own homes, it's a safe haven. Not to mention it's affordable.
Physical restraints are the most difficult for many stroke victims to overcome. It's frustrating to feel like you cannot even do the simplest of tasks. A home care agency will provide customized rehabilitative programs tailored to the individual's needs. After assessing the prognosis, a physical therapist trains patients how to build strength and endurance. They teach the patient how to walk and how to reduce the risk of a fall. The goal is for the patient to move around as much as he physically can on his own.
Occupational therapy isn't too different from physical therapy. Their goal is to teach stroke victims how to perform day-to-day tasks, such as grooming, bathing, dressing, and cooking. With their help, victims can feel like they can actually function on their own again.
Speech pathologists obviously teach patients how to communicate once again. This includes how to express oneself and how to improve voice quality and volume. They also teach patients how to swallow without choking.
All of this rehabilitative work can be done through a home health care agency. Consider the benefits of completing these tasks at home and see if it is the right fit for your loved ones.
