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One of the first and most important steps is to ensure that the living environment is safe. This means making room for walking aids and rearranging furniture to reduce the risk of falls. You may want to reconsider the purpose of different rooms in your house, for example moving a bedroom to the ground floor if stairs are a problem, or switching to a bedroom with an en-suite.
For those individuals who regain full mobility, creating a de-cluttered and calm space where you can go to find peace is important. It helps to be able to take frequent breaks in a room where you can empty your mind and just be. There are different kinds of strokes.
Most are considered ischaemic meaning they are the result of a blockage that stops blood flow to the brain.
This may be due to a blood clot or the narrowing of blood vessels. The other main type of stroke is haemorrhagic in which there is bleeding within or on the surface of the brain. For some people, the stroke may be a transient ischaemic attack TIA also known as a mini-stroke because the symptoms go away within 24 hours. Symptoms can range greatly. Physical issues include muscle weakness, particularly in the arms and legs. There can be difficulty swallowing or going to the bathroom. Some people experience problems with their vision or facial weakness and slurred speech.
Most people will experience some balance issues and suffer from fatigue. Emotional lows and depression are other common issues.
While rehabilitation can help some people make a full recovery, strokes are one of the leading causes of long-term disability in adults. Recovery gains are typically greatest in the immediate weeks and month following a stroke, but rehabilitation efforts can still be effective and helpful after that period.
Every individual is different and because strokes range in type, location and severity, some people will go home when they are first released from the hospital, while others will spend time in an inpatient rehab unit, an outpatient facility or a nursing facility. Get involved in your treatment when possible and work with your doctors and carers to develop a home rehab routine you can stick to.
If you have a private therapist, make sure you have a good relationship and that you feel comfortable talking about your priorities in recovery. Communication problems are one of the most important obstacles to overcome after a stroke. When you find yourself unable to retrieve words, understand what others are saying or produce intelligible speech, you may not be able to communicate your needs to your carer. If speech is difficult then writing or touch-typing might be a viable alternative. Try to stay calm as anxiety can impede progress and use all of your senses to help you.
Your doctors will have given you information on the kinds of physical therapy you can most benefit from. Keep in mind that when you are on your own it is better to err on the side of caution and not push yourself. Set up a mirror or record yourself to help both you and a specialist evaluate the exercises you perform on your own. Are you developing your strength?
Are some days better than others? Taking light low-impact exercise such as short strolls can help get your blood flowing between sessions. You might also want to consider seeing a Pilates or yoga teacher who can suggest exercises and poses that help with balance issue s. Create customized drills to strengthen your mind and your memory.
For example, make a grocery list and then commit it to memory, or draw a map of your neighbourhood and see if you can label all of the streets. In this way, you take advantage of how the brain stores information by association.
Mnemonic techniques can also be useful in committing important dates and facts to short-term memory. Self-care skills like being able to dress, wash and feed oneself are essential for regaining your independence. However, you may also want to work with a therapist on activities that will allow you to enjoy your favourite hobbies again, or even do some part-time work. An occupational therapist can develop techniques that help you relearn practices that are important to you, though some accommodations and adjustments may be required. Spend some time on Google looking up aids to daily living that may be helpful.
For example, you might get a special plastic mat to stop your plate sliding, or a knife that rocks to make cutting food easier. Part of recovery from a stroke is dealing with the mental and emotional trauma that results. Some individuals struggle with fear of another stroke and others are more prone to depression and feelings of isolation, particularly if language skills have been impaired. One of the plusses of being at home is a familiar setting can be of great comfort and reassurance. A stroke is a great leveller.
Make sure to connect with stroke support groups where you can speak to other people who may be feeling the same as you and engage in some group therapy with friends and family carers too. Read more about communicating after a stroke and 6 activities for stroke recovery. Take care of yourself. Make sure you eat a healthy and balanced diet. Just remember plenty of fruits and vegetables can be eaten raw and may even be more nutritious that way. If you struggle with digestive issues as a result of your stroke, keep a food journal and see a nutrition specialist who can put together a plan that ensures you avoid those foods that aggravate your system.
Sleep allows the body and mind to repair and is an integral part of any rehab routine. Create a quiet and peaceful space. You may want to redecorate a room or ask friends and family to help you clear out some clutter so you have a space that is less busy where you can go to empty your mind and just be.
Close your eyes and sit very still. Letting your mind relax helps it rest and restore itself so you can focus when the time comes to work on rehabilitation activities. Spend time in nature. Researchers have found that looking at nature can do wonders for our bodies and our minds. Authors: Thompson , Simon B. This book is both an introductory text to the rehabilitation of stroke for student therapists and a reference text for qualified therapists.
The layout of the book reflects these needs with Chapters assuming a minimal level of understanding of the material. Prognosis of stroke is also discussed which is an issue taken up in later chapters concemed with expert systems. The use of microcomputers in occupational therapy is discussed throughout the book with particular reference to their direct role during therapy.
Chapter 5 addresses the work carried out in the area of biofeedback; Chapter 6 introduces the concept and uses of databases, and Chapter 7 discusses the versatility of microcomputers, especially in the provision of expert systems for the prognosis of stroke. JavaScript is currently disabled, this site works much better if you enable JavaScript in your browser. Therapy in Practice Series Free Preview.
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