By Oluwasola Samuel, Freelance Writer. Medical review by Rukhsar Jabbar. M.Sc. Physiotherapy.
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African female stroke survivor undergoing walk rehabilitation under physical therapist supervision
Stroke is one of the most challenging experiences you can go through. For African stroke survivors, regaining independence often feels like an uphill task. From physical limitations to emotional hurdles, the journey is tough.
But here's the good news: with the right support and plan of action, you can achieve independence. Your carers, family members, and therapists have a big role to play in ensuring you regain independence.
In this blog post, you will learn practical tips and action plans that are designed to help you (stroke survivors) regain independence and live your normal life.
Each stroke survivor's journey is unique, and understanding their specific needs—physical, emotional, and mental - is crucial to ensuring a quick recovery during post-stroke rehabilitation.
Stroke survivors usually have physical challenges that limit their ability to move. These physical challenges can include mobility issues, muscle weakness, and difficulties with coordination and balance. These limitations can make everyday tasks like getting dressed or walking difficult.
You must know that emotional challenges are common after a stroke. As a stroke survivor, you could have feelings of frustration, depression, and anxiety as you adjust to your new reality. For instance, if you are a working-class person and you suddenly find yourself out of your job because of a stroke, the feeling of worthlessness could creep in, making you feel hopeless.
In addition, many stroke survivors encounter cognitive (higher-order brain function) challenges because of the damage caused by the stroke. [1] These challenges may include problems with memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. The challenges make it hard for you to focus for long, remember things, or solve problems you used to handle easily, like paying your bills on time, etc.
If you are a carer or healthcare professional, you need to understand how these challenges limit stroke survivors from performing their daily tasks. Create personalised post-stroke rehabilitation care plans to help stroke survivors recover faster and improve their well-being.
As a stroke survivor, you encounter different stroke symptoms that limit your ability to carry out your normal daily activities. Hence, there is a need for guidance from a carer that will help you relearn how to carry out these daily tasks during your post-stroke rehabilitation.
Below are seven practical tips to help stroke survivors regain independence:
As a result of a stroke episode, many survivors experience weakness or paralysis. At this point, Physical therapy (exercise) is crucial for a quick recovery. [2] Physical therapy helps to strengthen your muscles, improve your balance, and enhance your mobility.
Your physical therapist (a healthcare professional who improves how your body moves physically) can create a simple and customised exercise, such as walking and stretching. These exercises will help improve areas of weakness in your body that limit your mobility. These customised exercises can help to improve your confidence and independence as you journey through your post-stroke rehabilitation care.
Post-stroke rehabilitation care like occupational therapy aims to help stroke survivors relearn daily activities like brushing, bathing, washing, dressing, or cooking. [3] The goal is to make you independent and able to live a normal life.
Your occupational therapist will teach you adaptive techniques and recommend assistive devices that make your task safe and easy to accomplish. [4] If you adopt these adaptive techniques for a long period, it will boost your confidence and independence.
Stroke survivors often experience speech difficulty because of damage to areas or networks in the brain (cerebrum) that control speech and language. [5] Speech therapy like tongue strengthening, breathing and speech exercises, and sound practice can help improve your language skills and cognitive functions. [6]
Your speech and language therapist can use different techniques that focus on strengthening the muscles you use in speech and also teach strategies to overcome communication barriers.
After a stroke, you might need some help with daily tasks. That's where your loved ones or carers come in. They can provide support and motivation, and they can celebrate your progress, no matter how small. They can also help you find emotional support through counselling or support groups. This can help you process your feelings and improve your mental and emotional well-being as you recover.
Because of the physical challenges you might have after a stroke, some home modifications can make things easier and safer. Your loved ones or carers can help by removing loose rugs or rearranging furniture to create wider walking paths.
Installing grab bars in the bathroom and hallways can also be a big help. These changes can reduce your risk of falling and allow you to move around your home more independently.
Other home modifications that are needed to help stroke survivors with independent living include:
Social interaction is crucial for emotional and mental well-being. You can join a support group, share your challenges and celebrate achievements with other stroke survivors. Also, spend more time with loved ones and friends, or engage in community events. This gives you a sense of belonging and it improves your overall outlook.
Understanding your stroke and any resulting disabilities is an important part of your recovery journey. While accepting these changes can be tough, remember that you have the power to regain your abilities and improve your independence.
It's key to take an active role in your rehabilitation. This means you should participate in therapy sessions, practice exercises at home, and make healthy lifestyle choices. Truth be honest, it might seem difficult at first, but with commitment and continuous encouragement from your loved ones and professional caregivers, you'll be surprised at what you can achieve.
This active participation will not only improve your physical well-being but also boost your confidence as you regain control over your life.
Beyond the tips, these additional factors will help you achieve the independence you need in your daily life:
Creating a predictable routine is one of the most important things that can help stroke survivors recover faster and enhance independent living. Routines foster a sense of normalcy and control, which can be incredibly beneficial to stroke survivors.
To create a routine, start by setting consistent times for meals, medications, and therapy sessions. You can also establish routines for showering, dressing, and leisure activities. Remember, the routine doesn't have to be rigid. Ensure to make it flexible, but aim for consistency whenever possible.
As a survivor progresses in their recovery, the routine can be adjusted to accommodate their improving abilities.
Recovery from stroke symptoms may take time. [7] It's important to have patience, as recovery could take longer than expected. Carers and stroke survivors themselves should celebrate progress, no matter how small, and have a positive outlook. These help boost the survivor’s confidence and motivation to do better.
Adaptive equipment like walkers, dressing aids, reachers, and specially designed utensils must be available and within your reach. These adaptive equipment will help you perform tasks independently and with greater ease.
Family members or carers should arrange for out-of-home transportation to therapy sessions, social events, and medical appointments. If there is easy access to transportation, it will help to promote social engagement and independence. This can go a long way in ensuring faster recovery. The more people you can meet, socialise with, and share your experiences with, the more you learn about your condition and how to adjust accordingly.
Within the home, mobility towards independent performance of the activities ofdaily living should be encouraged as much as possible in place of sedentary sitting and total reliance on carers. Rehabilitation poles and other assistive devices may be needed for maintenance of support and balance. A wheel chair may be required.
Helping African stroke survivors regain independence is a collective effort that requires patience, empathy, understanding, and dedication. Stroke symptoms vary from person to person. As such, understanding the needs of each survivor is crucial for their recovery.
Carers must also be empathetic towards stroke survivors as well as motivate them towards recovery and independence. Implementing these practical tips and building a supportive system will help them make significant progress in their recovery journey.
1. NCI Connect. Cognitive symptoms - NCI [Internet. Last updated 2024 March 12]. Cited 2024 Jul 14. Available from here.
2. American Stroke Association. Post-stroke exercise videos [Internet, n.d.]. Cited 2024 Jul 14. Available from here.
3. Jabbar R. Post-stroke rehabilitation explained. Datelinehealth Africa. [Internet 2024 May 20] Cited 2024 July 18]. Available from here.
4. Flint Rehab. Adaptive equipment for stroke patients: helpful tips & tools [Internet. 2022 Oct. 28]. Cited 2024 Jul 14. Available from here.
5. Johns Hopkins Medicine Health. Brain anatomy and how the brain works [Internet, n.d.]. Cited 2024 Jul 14. Available from here.
6. IASLT, Supporting people’s communication and swallowing. [Internet. n.d.]. Cited 2024 Jul 14. Available from here.
7. Jabbar R. Stroke recovery timeline - A guide for Africans. Datelinehealth Africa. [Internet. 2024 May 12] Cited July 15, 2024. Available from here.
Stroke Recovery Timeline – A Guide for Africans
Post-Stroke Rehabilitation Explained
Best Physical Exercise for Stroke Patients
Solutions to the Challenges of Stroke Care in Africa
Stroke in Africa: What You Need To Know
Published: July 18, 2024
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