May Is American Stroke Month: Tips for Family Caregivers

When a loved one has a stroke, family members are often overwhelmed with countless questions. As part of American Stroke Month in May, the American Stroke Association offers 15 tips to help.

1. It’s better to find out than miss out. Be aware of the medications that have been prescribed to your loved one and their side effects. Ask if your home should be modified to meet the specific needs of the stroke survivor. Ask a doctor, nurse or therapist to clarify any unanswered questions or to provide written information that explains what treatment occurs after the stroke and during recovery and rehabilitation.
2. Reduce risks, or stroke may strike again. Survivors who have had one stroke are at high risk of having another one if treatment recommendations are not followed. Make sure your loved one eats a healthy diet, exercises, takes medications as prescribed, and has regular visits with the physician to help prevent another stroke.
3. Many factors influence recovery. Recovery depends on many different factors: where in the brain the stroke occurred, how much of the brain was affected, the patient’s motivation, caregiver support, the quantity and quality of rehabilitation, and how healthy the survivor was before the stroke. Because every stroke and stroke survivor is unique, avoid comparisons.
4. Gains can happen quickly or slowly over time. The most rapid recovery usually occurs during the first three to four months after a stroke, but some stroke survivors continue to recover well into the first and second year after a stroke.
5. Some signs point to the need for physical therapy. Caregivers should consider seeking assistance from a physical or occupational therapist if their loved one has any of these complaints:
   •    dizziness
   •    imbalance that results in falls
   •    difficulty walking or moving around in daily life
   •    inability to walk six minutes without stopping to rest
   •    inability to do things that he or she enjoys, like recreational activities or outings with family
   •    increased need for help to engage in daily activities.
6. Don’t ignore falls. Falls after stroke are common. If a fall is serious and results in severe pain, bruising or bleeding, go to the emergency room for treatment. If a loved one experiences minor falls (with no injury) that occur more than two times within six months, see the physician or the physical therapist for treatment.
7. Measuring progress matters. How much acute rehabilitation therapy your loved one receives depends partly on his/her rate of improvement. Stroke survivors on an acute rehabilitation unit are expected to make measurable functional gains in the activities of daily living skills, mobility skills and communication skills.
8. A change in abilities can trigger a change in services. Medicare coverage for rehabilitation therapies may be available if your loved one’s physical function has changed. If there appears to be a change in motor skills, speech or self-care since the last time the patient was in therapy, he or she may be eligible for more services.
9. Monitor changes in attitude and behavior. Evaluate whether your loved one is showing signs of difficulty controlling their emotions. Consult a physician to develop a plan of action.
10. Stop depression before it hinders recovery. Post-stroke depression is common, with as many as 30–50% of stroke survivors developing depression in the early or later phases after a stroke. Post-stroke depression can significantly affect your loved one’s recovery and rehabilitation. Consult a physician to develop a plan of action.
11. Seek out support. Community resources, such as stroke survivor and caregiver support groups, are available for you and your loved one. Stay in touch with a case manager, social worker or discharge planner who can help you find resources in your community.
12. Learn the ins and outs of insurance coverage. Be sure to consult with your loved one’s doctor, case manager or social worker to find how much and how long insurance will pay for rehabilitation services. Rehabilitation services can vary substantially from one case to another. Clarify what medical and rehabilitation services are available for hospital and outpatient care. Determine the length of coverage provided from your insurance (private or government supported) and what out-of-pocket expenses you can expect.
13. Know when to enlist help. If rehabilitation services are denied due to lack of “medical necessity,” ask your loved one’s physician to intervene on his or her behalf. Ask the physician to provide records to the insurance carrier and, if needed, follow up yourself by calling the insurance company.
14. Know your rights. Your loved one has the right to access his or her medical and rehabilitation records, and is entitled to copies of the medical records, including written notes and brain imaging films.
15. Take care of you. Take a break from caregiving by asking another family member, friend or neighbor to help while you take time for yourself. Keep balance in your life by eating right, exercising or walking daily, and getting adequate rest.

Source: The American Stroke Association (www.strokeassociation.org), a division of the American Heart Association, works to improve stroke prevention, diagnosis and treatment to save lives from stroke—America’s No. 3 killer and a leading cause of serious disability. For caregiver tips, tools and support, visit the American Stroke Association Family Caregiver’s webpage.