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Tips to Help Family and Friends Cope With a Loved One's Stroke

9/15/2015

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Some tips to help family and friends cope with a loved one's stroke:

Ask the doctor questions if you accompany your loved one to appointments. Talk with the patient before the appointment about the questions you will ask and be sensitive when asking questions, especially those questions to which the patient may not want to hear the answer.

Be prepared for changes in your loved one's behavior and mood. Medications, discomforts, and stress can cause your loved one to become depressed or angry.

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ACT Real F-A-S-T, Stroke's No Joke!

9/5/2015

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Women Unfamiliar With Stroke Warning Signs

9/5/2015

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Adaptive Equipment

9/5/2015

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Adaptive equipment can be used to help stroke patients have greater independence with everyday life skills or activities of daily living. There is a great assortment of assistive devices for all areas of self care including dressing, bathing, grooming, cooking, feeding, toileting, and mobility aids. There are also assistive technology devices to help with communication, using a computer, operating household devices, and driving.

Various medical and personal care equipment choices can be found below. If interested in purchasing any of the adaptive equipment, you can visit websites such as www.activeforever.com, www.wayfair.com, and www.pattersonmedical.com. Make sure you know the return policy before ordering any equipment. Many types of medical and bathroom equipment items are non-returnable due to sanitary reasons.

This means you should research equipment before buying and make sure it is the right equipment for you, has good reviews, and will fit in the space needed if applicable. If you are interested in finding clothing for a stroke patient which allows for easier dressing such as donning pants from a seated position, please visit this adaptive clothing page. You can also search Amazon.com and other similar websites to compare prices and get the best deal on adaptive equipment.

Donating or Finding Used Equipment

If you have medical or adaptive equipment that you no longer need, you can search the term "donate DME" on the internet to find local DME (durable medical equipment) exchanges or non-profits that will take your equipment to be used for others in need. You can also use that same search term if you cannot afford equipment and want to find a local business that offers inexpensive prices or free DME for those who qualify.

Mobility Devices:

Rolling Walkers - If the stroke victim has use of both arms and legs but still presents with some balance problems or slight weakness then a rolling walker may be appropriate. One must be able to push forward with both arms to operate a rolling walker. The most common are 2 wheel walkers, 4 wheel walkers and rollators (4 wheel walker with a seat).

Hemi-Walkers and Quad Canes - When the stroke victim is paralyzed and does not have good use of one side such in the case of hemiplegia or hemiparesis, then a hemi-walker or quad cane may be needed. These types of mobility aids have a wider base of support than a single tip cane thus providing more support but not requiring the use of both hands to operate.

Quad canes come with small or large base depending on the amount of support needed. One drawback to a hemi-walker or quad cane is that the stroke victim mostly relies on the non-affected side for walking and does not incorporate using the weak side as much so one must remember to continue working on exercises and weightbearing to the weak side to prevent neglecting these muscles.

Single Tip Canes - If the stroke patient only needs minimal support for steadying, then a single tip cane may be appropriate.

Wheelchairs and Scooters - Many stroke victims will need a wheelchair due to limited mobility. A hemi wheelchair is a special wheelchair which can be adjusted lower to the ground and allow the ability to operate it with one or both feet. Electric wheelchairs and scooters are also available some which can be operated with one hand.

Bathroom Aids

Shower Chairs and Tub Benches - Shower chairs with and without backs can be purchased for walk-in showers or bathtubs. For the stroke patient that has a bathtub and cannot step over the side, a transfer tub bench that extends over the side would be more appropriate. Hand-held showers can also be purchased to make showering from a seated position more convenient.

Toilet Seats and Bedside Commodes - Raised toilet seats or toilet seats with handles can be purchased to make standing up from the toilet easier. If the bathroom is not accessible or the stroke patient needs the convenience of a toilet next to their bed then a bedside commode can be used.

Other Bathing/Dressing Aids - Various adaptive equipment exists to make bathing amd dressomg easier for stroke victims such as a bathing mitt, hair shampoo tray, long-handled sponge, reachers, long shoehorns, sock aids, elastic shoelaces, dressing sticks, button hooks, and more:

Hospital Beds

Electric hospital beds make it easier to get a person out of bed or to sit a person up in bed. This can become important for the stroke patient who has a peg tube and swallowing difficulties that require the head of the bed to be raised. It also is helpful for caregivers taking care of stroke patients with limited mobility.

Kitchen Aids - A variety of one handed devices exist for people to use in the kitchen such as one handed cheese slicers, rocker knives, cutting boards with suction cups, and scoop plates:

Grooming Aids Devices used to help with grooming include brushes with suction cups, hair dryer racks, toothpaste squeezers, and various utensils with adapted handles.

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When a Patient Falls

9/4/2015

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Once the momentum has started, it’s almost impossible to stop a patient from falling. By trying to do so, you can injure your back. Instead, guide the patient to the ground; then get help to move the patient back to a bed or stretcher.

Guiding the Fall

Help falling patients to the floor with as little impact as possible. If you’re near a wall, gently push the patient against it to slow the fall. If you can, move close enough to “hug” the patient. Focus on protecting the patient’s head as you move down to the floor. Then call for help.

Blanket under patient

Moving a Fallen Patient

Patients who’ve fallen may feel dizzy or faint. Reassure them as you determine whether they’ve been injured. If so, tend to the injury before doing anything else. If the patient isn’t injured, you can prepare for the move back to a bed or stretcher. Get help. Four or more people may be needed.

1 Roll onto Blanket

Roll the patient onto his or her side.
Put a blanket under the patient and roll the patient onto it.
Position 2 or more people on each side of the patient.

Palms up

2 Lift from Floor

Kneel on 1 knee and grasp the blanket.
On a count of 3, lift the patient and stand up.
Move the patient onto a bed or stretcher.

Remember: Be proactive; assess and identify a patient as a fall risk and start intervention to prevent a fall.

Blanket under patient

Palms up

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Kegel Exercises

9/4/2015

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A weak pelvic floor

The pelvic floor muscles may weaken due to aging, pregnancy and vaginal childbirth, injury, surgery, chronic cough, or lack of exercise. If the pelvic floor is weak, your bladder and other pelvic organs may sag out of place. The urethra may also open too easily and allow urine to leak out. Kegel exercises can help you strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. Then they can better support the pelvic organs and control urine flow.

How Kegel exercises are done

Try each of the Kegel exercises described below. When you’re doing them, try not to move your leg, buttock, or stomach muscles.

Contract as if you were stopping your urine stream. But do it when you’re not urinating.
Tighten your rectum as if trying not to pass gas. Contract your anus, but don’t move your buttocks.
You may place a finger or 2 in the vagina and squeeze your finger with your vagina to learn which muscles to tighten.

Try to hold each Kegel for a slow count to 5. You probably won’t be able to hold them for that long at first. But keep practicing. It will get easier as your pelvic floor gets stronger. Eventually, special weights that you place in your vagina may be recommended to help make your Kegels even more effective. Visit your healthcare provider if you have difficulties doing Kegel exercises.

Helpful hints

Here are some tips to follow:

·       Do your Kegels as often as you can. The more you do them, the faster you’ll feel the results.

·       Pick an activity you do often as a reminder. For instance, do your Kegels every time you sit down.

·       Tighten your pelvic floor before you sneeze, get up from a chair, cough, laugh, or lift. This protects your pelvic floor from injury and can help prevent urine leakage.

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Swallowing Exercises: How to Do Closure of the Larynx Exercises

9/4/2015

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Larynx-closure exercises can help you swallow better. They are used if you have trouble swallowing (dysphagia). Your larynx is the part of your throat that is also known as your voice box. Swallowing exercises can improve the strength and control of these muscles, and how well they move. Over time, they may help you to swallow normally again.

A speech-language pathologist (SLP) may prescribe swallowing exercises to improve your swallowing. You can do these exercises in your hospital room or at home. Often you can do these exercises on your own. But you may also work with a health professional to practice them.

How swallowing works

Before you swallow, you chew your food to an appropriate size, shape, and texture. When you swallow, this material passes through your mouth and a part of your throat called the pharynx. From there the chewed food goes through a long tube called the esophagus. It then enters your stomach and your digestive tract (gastrointestinal tract).

During breathing, air travels from your mouth and pharynx into the larynx (toward your lungs). When you swallow, a flap called the epiglottis moves to stop any food particles from entering your larynx and lungs. The muscles of the larynx pull upward to help with this movement. They also tightly close during swallowing. That prevents food from going into your lungs.

Swallowing requires the muscles in these regions to work together. But sometimes they may not work right. That can lead to problems swallowing. Muscle weakness in these areas can make swallowing hard to do. For example, food particles might be more likely to end up in your lungs if the muscles that close your larynx are weak.

When closure of the larynx exercises are needed

You might need to do larynx-closing exercises if you have trouble swallowing. Not being able to swallow properly is called dysphagia.

Dysphagia may lead to aspiration. That’s when material from your stomach and intestines enters into your airways. This serious situation can lead to pneumonia and other problems. As a result dysphagia should be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.

Different conditions can cause swallowing problems. Some examples are:

Stroke
Significant dental problems
Conditions that reduce saliva, such as Sjogren’s syndrome
Mouth sores (lesions)
Parkinson disease or other neurologic conditions
Muscular dystrophies
Blockage in the esophagus, such as from a tumor

Getting ready for your exercises

Before you start these exercises, you may need to be standing or sitting in a chair. Your SLP will show you what to do. For example, it may be better if you do these exercises while out of bed.

It is best to remove distractions from your environment. Turn off the television. Do the exercises at a time when you won’t have visitors. You will be able to fully concentrate and get the most benefit from them. You can do these exercises at any time that is convenient for you.

Sample exercises

Your SLP can show you the specific exercises you should do and explain how often to do them. As an example, you may be asked to do these exercises:

Take a deep breath and hold it. Keep holding your breath while you swallow. Immediately after swallowing, cough. This is called the supraglottic swallow. Repeat a few times.
Inhale and hold your breath very tightly. Bear down like you are having a bowel movement. Keep holding your breath and bearing down as you swallow. This is called a super-supraglottic swallow. Repeat a few times. You do not need to use food or liquid with either of these exercises.
Take a breath. Keep holding your breath as you bear down. Hold for a few seconds and then relax. Repeat a few times.
Hold your breath tightly. Place both hands under your chair. Pull as if you are trying to lift up your chair with you in it. Let go of your breath and say “ahh” while you continue to pull. Relax. Repeat a few times.
Hold your breath tightly. Turn your head to the left or to the right. Let go of your breath and say “ahh” while your head is still turned. Relax. Repeat a few times.

All of these exercises help close the larynx. That may improve your swallowing.

In most cases, you’ll be practicing the larynx-closing exercises along with other types of swallowing exercises. If so, do these in the same order each time. Don’t leave any exercises out. Your health care team will plan a series of exercises that specifically targets the source of your swallowing problem.

Keeping track of your progress

Keep a record of the times you do your swallowing exercises. It will remind you to do your exercises as prescribed. It will also provide helpful feedback on your progress to your SLP. Make a note of what exercises you do and when you did them. Also note any problems. Discuss them with your SLP.

Your SLP and medical team will watch your progress. They may make changes to your exercise therapy, if needed. This monitoring may include bedside swallowing exams or imaging tests. It may take a few weeks to notice that your swallowing is better.

As your ability to swallow gets better, your risk for aspiration may drop. Your SLP may be able to modify your diet. You may also be able to eat certain types of food again. This can improve your nutrition, your overall health, and your quality of life.

Continue to practice all your swallowing exercises as prescribed by your SLP. You will benefit most from following the prescribed therapy. Your gains may be less if you miss practice sessions. To make it more likely for you to succeed, work closely with all the members of your health care team to properly treat your condition.

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Treating Frozen Shoulder: Preparing for Your Exercises

9/4/2015

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Doing special exercises is the first way to treat frozen shoulder. You may see a physical therapist who can help you learn to do them. If these exercises don’t help, you may need further medical treatment.

Shoulder stretches

Doing stretches is often the best way to treat frozen shoulder. Stretching each day can help lessen the pain and restore shoulder flexibility. But it often takes time before you notice results. Try to be patient. To warm up, do the “pendulum.” While standing, let the hand on your frozen side dangle freely as you hold the back of a chair with your other hand. Slowly make circles and side-to-side motions with the frozen arm.

Physical therapy

Your doctor may refer you to physical therapy. This hands-on care helps you learn how to do stretching exercises at home. A physical therapist may also work on restoring your shoulder flexibility. To do this, he or she may gently stretch and move your frozen shoulder.

Tips for shoulder stretches

Anti-inflammatory medicines can help relieve pain. This may help you do your stretches. Your doctor can tell you more.
Mild and moist heat can help loosen your shoulder. Try taking a warm shower or bath just before you stretch.
A cold or ice pack can limit pain and swelling. Try icing your shoulder for a few minutes after you do your stretches

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For Caregivers: Safety Tips for Dementia Patients

9/4/2015

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Stroke or other brain trauma can leave previously high functioning individuals in a bind with dementia. The symptoms of dementia can sometimes lead to unsafe situations. Areas of special concern include driving and wandering away from home. You may also need to make changes in your loved one’s living space. These can help protect your loved one even when you aren’t around.

Prevent driving by keeping your loved one’s car keys in a secure place.

Discourage Driving

Driving is often not safe for a person with dementia. It may even be illegal. Ask the doctor whether it’s safe for your loved one to drive. If safety is in question, use these tips to prevent him or her from getting behind the wheel:

Limit access to the car. Keep the keys with you or lock them away.
Ask an authority figure, such as a doctor or insurance agent, to tell your loved one not to drive.
Ask your doctor about contacting the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Watch for Wandering

People with dementia may wander away from the house and get lost. To keep your loved one safer, try these tips:

Have your loved one wear an ID bracelet at all times.
For Jamaicans with resident love ones with dementia, You can also enroll your loved one in the Alzheimer’s Association’s “Safe Return” program.
Install door chimes so you know when exterior doors are being opened.
Ask neighbors to call you if they see your loved one out alone.
Go with your loved one if he or she insists on leaving the house. Don’t argue or yell. Instead, use distraction or gentle hints to get him or her to return home.

Make Living Spaces Safe

Keep your loved one safe by simplifying his or her living space. This means reducing clutter and removing hazards. You may also want to get advice from an occupational therapist (home safety expert). Keep in mind that some changes may not be needed right away. Focus on major safety concerns first.

In Living Spaces

Suggested safety steps include:

Install smoke alarms and nightlights.
Display emergency numbers and the home address near all phones.
Install an answering machine so important messages aren’t missed.
Reduce tripping hazards. Move electrical and phone cords out of the way. Place colored tape on the edges of steps.

In the Bathroom

Suggested safety steps include:

Store hair dryers, razors, and curling irons in a secure area.
Remove poisons, such as drain cleaner and nail polish remover.
Keep medications in a secure area, not in the medicine cabinet.
Remove inside door locks so your loved one doesn’t get locked inside.

In the Kitchen

Suggested safety steps include:

Unplug toasters and other appliances when not in use.
Limit access to alcoholic beverages. These can make symptoms much worse.
Remove or cover knobs on stoves and other appliances.
Check food for spoilage. Your loved one may not know when food has gone bad.

Other Areas of the Home

Suggested safety steps include:

Lock up hazardous substances, such as bleach, pesticides, and paint thinners.
Keep pool or hot tub areas closed off.
Set the hot water heater below 120°F (48.8°C).
- Keep a spare key outside the house in case your loved one locks you out.
- Place alarms on all doors and windows that will sound if the doors are opened.
- Place a "Stop" sign on doors to the outside.
- Keep car keys out of sight.

Prevent Fraud

People with dementia may be easy prey for dishonest salespeople or money scams. Even though you live in Jamaica you may have family members in the USA or England and other countries that you are now a caregiver for. Your role is to keep them protected per the norm in the culture where they reside.

For US residents, try placing a “No Solicitations” sign on your loved one’s front door. Add his or her phone number to the Federal Trade Commission’s “Do Not Call” list (888-382-1222). You should also limit access to credit cards and cash. You may need to get a legal power of Attorney. Have a discussion with the Case Manager or Social Worker.

You know what to do in Jamaica! Just make sure your loved one won't be exploited and give away money or household items. Don't be afraid to call the police for anyone who intentionally exploits the sick, disabled or elderly.

Can My Loved One Live Alone?

Early on, people with dementia can often handle daily tasks with little or no help. At some point, though, it will no longer be safe for them to be on their own. The timing for this is different for each person. But problems such as forgetting to eat, bathe, or take medications can all be signs that more supervision is needed. If you have concerns, be sure to talk with your loved one’s doctor. Whatever decisions you make, PLEASE at least tell your loved one what you are doing. Even though they may have dementia, they still need respect and consideration.

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Taking Aspirin for Atherosclerosis

9/4/2015

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Aspirin is a medication often prescribed to treat atherosclerosis — a condition that affects the blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart (arteries). Having atherosclerosis means you’re at increased risk of a heart attack or stroke. Aspirin is prescribed to help prevent these from happening. How Atherosclerosis Affects Your Arteries

Plaque (a fatty material) can build up in your arteries, making it harder for blood to flow through them. A blood clot can then form on the plaque. This may block the artery, cutting off blood flow. Conditions such as coronary artery disease (CAD) and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) can result. CAD occurs when plaque builds up in the coronary artery.

This artery supplies the heart with oxygen-rich blood. PAD occurs when plaque forms in leg arteries. The same factors that cause CAD and PAD can also cause plaque to form in other arteries in the body, such as those in the heart or brain. When plaque occurs in any of these arteries, it raises your risk of heart attack or stroke.

What Aspirin Does

Aspirin is an antiplatelet medication (also called a blood thinner). It helps keep blood clots from forming. This reduces the risk of blockage. Aspirin can be taken daily by people at high risk of heart attack or stroke. It is also used after a stent placement, a procedure that involves placing a tiny wire mesh tube in an artery. Aspirin helps prevent blood clots from forming on the stent.

Taking Aspirin Safely

Tell your health care provider about any other medications you take. Also, mention if you have a history of ulcers or bleeding problems. Ask whether you will need to stop taking aspirin before having surgery or dental work. Always take medications as directed.

Tips for Taking Aspirin

Develop a routine. For example, take aspirin with the same meal each day.
Don’t take more than prescribed. A low dose gives the same benefit as a higher one, with a lower risk of side effects.
Don’t skip doses. Aspirin needs to be taken daily to be effective.
Keep track of what you take. A pillbox with days of the week can help, especially if you take several medications. Or use a list or chart to keep track.

When to Call Your Health Care Provider

Side effects of aspirin are not usually serious. If you do have problems, a dosage change may help. Call your health care provider if you have any of the following:
       ·       Excessive bruising (some bruising is normal)

·       Nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or other excessive bleeding

·       An upset stomach or stomach pain

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<<Previous

Tips to Help Family and Friends Cope With a Loved One's Stroke

ACT Real F-A-S-T, Stroke's No Joke!

Women Unfamiliar With Stroke Warning Signs

Adaptive Equipment

When a Patient Falls

Kegel Exercises

Swallowing Exercises: How to Do Closure of the Larynx Exercises

Treating Frozen Shoulder: Preparing for Your Exercises

For Caregivers: Safety Tips for Dementia Patients

Taking Aspirin for Atherosclerosis

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STROKE REHAB CORNERIs There a Cure For Stroke Brain Trauma?​Our Rehab Vision

Archives

Categories

﻿Privacy Policy ﻿I Terms of Use I Disclaimer

Contact Us﻿

©2023 All Rights Reserved Milka Clarke Stroke Brain Trauma Foundation​(Westmoreland Stroke Foundation) EMAIL US ​

STROKE REHAB CORNER

Is There a Cure For Stroke Brain Trauma?

Our Rehab Vision

Privacy Policy I Terms of Use I Disclaimer

Contact Us

©2023 All Rights Reserved
Milka Clarke Stroke Brain Trauma Foundation
(Westmoreland Stroke Foundation)
EMAIL US