I met a guy in Oklahoma that had lived alone after having a stoke for 16 years. He was paralyzed on his left side and wore a brace in order to be able to walk. His one bedroom apartment was close enough to shopping and the bus route for him to manage almost everything in his life.
For quite a while he had gotten along quite well on his own. He had previously worked as a geologist and had dozens of maps that he had drawn rolled up and kept with rubber bands. As he talked to me he said that walking the street after having a stroke was a bit like trekking through the woods mapping a stream.
He was a very determined soul. The only reason we had even met was that he had fallen during his trekking. As a registered nurse I made visits to bandage his injury and to help him plan for his continued safety.
Living at home with stroke symptoms can be difficult. Symptoms like loss of balance, slurred speech, weakness, vision problems, pain or incontinence can get in the way. It is not impossible to make happen though.
Many people find it is necessary to have someone provide assistance with the more difficult tasks each day. Personal care happens in the morning and evenings of each day, and a couple hours of help from a Home Care Aide each time can be enough to live at home safely.
The goal when working with stoke clients is to enable them to be as independent as possible. Recovering can happen in phases. Although it is uncommon for significant rehab changes to occur after the first 6 weeks, clients with the desire to live at home often find ways to adapt and strengthen their other abilities.
With focus on what they can do and a little help with what is functionally difficult many people will live safe and happy lives. Family can be satisfied with their choice to help the stroke client live at home and get their personal respite time as well. Give our office a call at 877-743-4434 to schedule an informational visit to determine if this is a good option for you or a loved one.
