Helping a Loved One Who's Just Had a Stroke

Surviving a stroke brings about a lot of changes. The person might have trouble gripping objects or difficulty speaking. In the weeks and months following a stroke, the focus centers around helping the person regain their capabilities. 

Your support goes a long way. If you’re going to step in to help someone you love who had a stroke, know that you’re making a huge difference when they need it most. 

You should also know you don’t have to navigate this season alone. David Bolon, MD, and our team at Manhattan Integrative Cardiovascular in Midtown East Manhattan, New York City, can help. 

With extensive experience in stroke recovery — and working to prevent another stroke with the necessary cardiac screenings and lifestyle changes — we want to support you as you support your loved one.

With that in mind, we have a few tips for you. 

Go to doctor’s appointments and therapy with them

Talking with your loved one’s doctors and physical therapists gives you an inside look at their current state, what they should be working toward, and what you can do to help. 

The recovery process looks different for everyone because strokes impact various parts of the brain. Other factors — like their health before the event and the severity of the stroke — also come into play. You can partner with your loved one’s health care providers to tailor a plan for them. 

Those health care providers should give you an idea of how much help your loved one will need and when you should scale back. It’s tempting to jump in and assist with little tasks around the house, but letting them do those things on their own can help the stroke survivor reclaim their independence. 

Monitor their mental wellness

A stroke often results in emotional changes. Sometimes, these are temporary as the person grieves what they lost in the stroke. But don’t assume these are just shifting moods. About one-third of stroke survivors end up dealing with depression. 

As you watch and support your loved one physically, also keep an eye on their mental wellness. Talk with their doctor if you notice that they seem down, anxious, or otherwise not like their pre-stroke self. 

Get proactive about preventing another stroke

One in four stroke survivors will have another stroke. Your loved one doesn’t have to be a statistic, though. Healthy lifestyle changes and the proper health screenings go a long way toward stroke prevention.

Talk with Dr. Bolon; he can customize a prevention plan for your loved one based on their specific risk factors. 

Don’t forget to take care of yourself

Stepping in to care for a loved one after a stroke is admirable. But don’t lose yourself in your effort to help. Make sure you allocate some time to what you need, including your own self-care. If you start feeling overwhelmed or burnt out, ask for help. 

Remember, you’re not in this alone. Call our team at (716) 303-4738 to build out the support team taking care of your loved one after their stroke, or book your appointment online today.