| Stroke recovery can be a very hard process on both | | | | therapy as part of the stroke recovery rehab plan. |
| the stroke survivor and their friends and family. Often | | | | From the caretaker's point of view, usually a spouse, |
| times after a stroke, a person needs to relearn how to | | | | things aren't any easier. Often times they are trying to |
| do even the basic things of life, such as eating, talking, | | | | hold on to a job, and the financial picture in their house |
| and walking. And, will likely need help taking care of | | | | looks bleak given that their spouse prior to suffering |
| their daily hygiene needs, including voiding, dressing, and | | | | from a stroke likely earned at least half of the family's |
| bathing. The stroke recovery period therefore can be | | | | income, and as they are devoting so much time to the |
| a very trying time. In order to avoid resentment building | | | | care of their spouse they likely are missing work hours |
| up, from caretaker fatigue, and in order to keep the | | | | as well. Financial stress alone is one of the biggest |
| recovering patient in the best spirits it's a good idea to | | | | stressors on marriages - but adds in taking care of a |
| arrange to take breaks. | | | | spouse, and also wondering when or if your spouse |
| The stroke victim is likely going through even more | | | | will ever recover is overwhelming. Again, the stroke |
| emotional issues than the physical ones which are | | | | recovery period should include the mental health needs |
| readily apparent. Try to imagine going from and | | | | of the caretaker to avoid extreme marital discord. |
| independent, well functioning adult, who can come and | | | | Also, the caretaker needs to remember to take care |
| go as they please, easily take care of their daily needs | | | | of themselves. |
| and meet the needs of others, engage in meaningful | | | | The best thing that all parties can use during this rehab |
| employment and leisure activities, to suddenly being | | | | program is an extra dose of patience, and because it's |
| dependent upon others for your needs, eating baby | | | | easy to get impatient when one is exhausted, both the |
| food, and wondering if and when the life you once led | | | | patient and caretaker must remember to take mental |
| will ever even remotely resemble the life of your | | | | health breaks. |
| future. It is a good idea to provide mental health | | | | |