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Moving On
It is important to find ways of getting the most out of life after your stroke. In the first few months you may be concentrating on relearning old skills or acquiring new ones. However, once you know how much recovery is likely, you will need to come to terms with the restrictions imposed by your stroke. You can then try to find ways around them to enable you to enjoy life as much as possible.
Fight Isolation
Fight feelings of isolation by asking family members to get involved in your rehabilitation and care. At the same time strive for as much independence as you can and use any opportunities that arise to boost your confidence e.g.
- getting involved in making decisions
- asking for help with your appearance
- becoming familiar with your abilities
- obtaining more information about your condition and progress
Maintain Social Contact
Many people who have had strokes feel embarrassed about their weakness or speech difficulties. They may feel self-conscious and lacking in confidence. They may feel reluctant to see friends or to go out.
Friendships might be lost that were based on a shared activity that you can no longer do.
Encourage friends to visit, perhaps start with a visit from one person and plan a short return visit to them.
See friends and go out together right from the start, if you can.
Don’t be disheartened before you try.
Set Up A Daily Routine
To set up a daily routine you and anyone else at home and/or whoever cares for you also needs to be considered. You should try and work out everybody’s needs together. Think about the necessary daily tasks that you
- can do independently
- can begin to relearn
- will need help with
Plot the time that will be needed for these. Draw up a list of small steps towards relearning some of the missing skills.
It is important to keep as active as possible at all ages. Build in short, but frequent, periods in the day to practise movements, exercises and skills.
Ensure time is set aside to have a regular rest if you get easily tired.
You may have a best time of day—use this for the things you most want to do, not for tedious tasks. Try to continue with hobbies, interests, social or other regular commitments and plan time for these as well.
Looking After Carers
If a family member helps to take care of you make sure they get a rest and some time to themselves. Enlist the help of friends or other family members. People who offer to help usually genuinely want to. You need to tell them how.
Get Accustomed To Noise
Some people find the mental stimulus of crowded places or a lot of background noise uncomfortable and difficult to deal with after the stroke. This can lead to anxiety. You should gradually get accustomed to busier places over short periods.
Practical Difficulties
There may be practical difficulties in going to places you went to before, and you may have fears of not managing when out. It may seem easier to stay at home in your safe comfort zone—but this leads to isolation and worsens your fears. There are solutions. Find out Where To Get Help.
Company Of Others
You may need to build up new friendships and social activities with people who share your interests.
Many people find being in the company of other people who have had a stroke to be beneficial. Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS) has many stroke clubs and Volunteer Stroke Service (VSS) groups around the country.
There may be other community activities you may find helpful.
Get Assistance
If you remained at home or have had a spell in hospital you may need to have assistance from someone else with certain activities of daily living (ADL) or with cooking and looking after the house. Apart from family members taking on the role of carers most other support services are provided by the Social Work Department.
How To Get Help From The Social Work Department.
Residential And Nursing Home Care
If your stroke was quite severe and left you with lasting problems, you, your family, your doctor or social worker may feel that you need residential or nursing home care. A residential home provides personal care and meals while a nursing home must have qualified nurses on the premises and is able to offer more intensive support. Some people are eligible for financial help towards the cost of nursing and personal care while in a nursing home.
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