Stroke Care Recovery

Stroke Care: What Should You Expect During Recovery?

Fear and confusion are common feelings faced by caregivers and stroke survivors. When you are deemed well enough to be discharged, the common question is “What is next?” Here is a quick guide on stroke care; what to expect for a post-hospital discharge and the small steps to recovery.

Rehabilitation

The purpose of Rehabilitation is for patients to return to a normal and healthy condition through therapies and physical activities. The types of rehabilitative therapies and exercises you need will be assessed and determined by your stroke care team.

Before planning your post-discharge care plan, it is important to arrange and prepare for rehabilitation sessions for yourself or your loved one. The stroke care team at the hospital will assess the patient’s mobility function and decide on a suitable post-discharge care plan for the patient and offer caregiver’s training.

stroke care team
Your Stroke Care Team

Source: HealthHub

4 Steps to Post-Discharge Care Plan

stroke care

Preparing for your loved one’s discharge is very stressful and confusing. Here is a quick  breakdown of what to expect:

  1. Communicate with the primary care doctor at your neighbourhood GP or polyclinic – to keep doctor’s appointments convenient for you or your loved one.
  2. Request for an “AIC” referral from the hospital or a medical social care worker to prepare and arrange for services such as Community Hospitals, Day Care Services, Day Rehabilitation Centres, Home Medical, Home Care Services or Nursing Homes (See which option and arrangement suit you or your loved one best).
  3. Seek help or recommendations from your stroke care team about preparing your home for your post-hospitalisation discharge. E.g Home Modifications, Medical or Mobility Equipments.
  4. Scheduling of medical appointments, outpatient treatments or rehabilitative therapies for yourself or your loved ones. Coordinate and work with your stroke care team!

Lifestyle Change: Prevention of another Stroke

If you are a stroke survivor, the chances of a stroke happening again are greater. Here are some ways you can prevent another stroke from happening.

Medication

Your doctor may suggest and prescribe these types of medications:  

  • Anti-Platelet Medications

This can help to prevent blood cell platelets from sticking together and forming a blot clot – which can cause another stroke.

  • Anti-Coagulant Medications

Anti-Coagulant medication is blood thinner prevents the formation of blood clots. It also prevents existing blood clots from becoming bigger.

  • Cholesterol Medications

Helps to reduce cholesterol levels and lower the risks of heart diseases and stroke.

Lifestyle Modifications

Managing your bad habits and making small steps towards a healthier lifestyle can reduce risks of stroke or other debilitating diseases.

  • Stop smoking.
  • Reduce alcohol consumption.
  • Ensure that you have a healthy and well-balanced diet (Include more vegetables and fruits in your diet, reduce consumption of red meat and consume whole grains).  
  • Exercise regularly – About 20 minutes of moderate exercise – E.g. Brisk Walking (Consult with your doctor about your physical health before attempting to exercise).
  • Ensure that you or your loved one take medications on time.
  • Ensure that you or your loved one keeps up with your doctor’s appointment.

Emotional and Mental Health Support

stroke home care
Never be afraid or embarrassed to ask for help

Besides taking care of your physical health, it is important to care for your mental and emotional well-being as well. Never be afraid to ask for help or assistance if you need it! For stroke survivors or caregivers you can:

  • Seek emotional support from professional counsellors/ psychiatrists:
  • Talk to a professional counsellor/psychiatrist about your worries, struggles or positive improvement of your recovery journey.

Attend/Join Support Groups:

You are not alone in your journey to recovery. Find solace and support from other stroke survivors and caregivers through support groups or wellness programmes organised by Singapore National Stroke Association or S3A.

We have more articles for Stroke. Continue reading more stroke articles here.

References:

  1. Today Online (2016, January 13) Mental States of Stroke Survivors, Caregivers are Interlinked: Study. Retrieved from https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/mental-states-stroke-survivors-caregivers-are-interlinked-study
  2. HealthHub Singapore (2019, January 17). Stroke: Hospital Stay and Care Experience. Retrieved from https://www.healthhub.sg/a-z/medical-and-care-facilities/64/your-hospital-journey
  3. HealthHub Singapore (2019, January 17). Stroke Rehabilitation: Post Stroke Care. Retrieved from https://www.healthhub.sg/a-z/medical-and-care-facilities/65/care-after-stroke
  4. Stroke Support Station (n.d.) S3 Wellness Programmes. Retrieved from http://www.s3.org.sg/programmes

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