Performing your routine tasks may be difficult after you’ve had a stroke (brain attack). But many people can learn ways to manage their daily activities. In fact, daily activities may help you to regain muscle strength and bring back function to affected limbs.
Bathing and dressing
By learning a few new ways of doing things, most people who have had a stroke can bathe and dress themselves. You may want to try the following:
After your stroke, you may not be able to control your bladder and bowels. Nurses will work closely with you to set up a new routine.
Bathing and dressing
By learning a few new ways of doing things, most people who have had a stroke can bathe and dress themselves. You may want to try the following:
- Test water temperature with a hand or foot that was not affected by the stroke.
- Use grab bars, a shower seat, a hand-held shower, and a long-handled brush.
- Dress while sitting, starting with the affected side or limb.
- Put on shirts that pull over the head, and pants or skirts with elastic waistbands.
- Use zippers with loops attached to them.
- Visit the hair salon weekly, or change to a "wash and wear" hairstyle to avoid using blow dryers and curling irons.
- Use electric shavers instead of razors to avoid injuries.
- Review grooming with your occupational therapist.
After your stroke, you may not be able to control your bladder and bowels. Nurses will work closely with you to set up a new routine.
- You may be taken to the toilet on a schedule — perhaps every 2 hours to 3 hours. Making a bathroom stop before going out may also work well.
- A time may be set to empty the bowel. This will help train your bladder and bowels to go at specific intervals.
- Absorbent briefs or a condom catheter (a small bag that fits over the penis) may be used.
- You can use adult diapers if you need to.
- Drink fluids (especially caffeine and alcohol) in the daytime and limit them in the evening to avoid having to use the bathroom at night.
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