Try These Easy Tips to Improve Stroke Recovery at Home

Stroke recovery at home is both an emotionally and physically challenging process, and the main thing you long for is to get back to your regular life. Nevertheless, given that more than half of stroke survivors often have some means of disability, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in-home safety modifications may need to be made to make post-stroke life easier and safer.

The positive news is that there are some basic strategies that can improve safety and accessibility for somebody who is recovering from a stroke. Below are a few post-stroke home revision guidelines from Endeavor In Home Care, the leading provider of elder care in Gilbert and surrounding areas:

Preventing Falls:

About 40% of stroke survivors suffer serious falls within the first year following their strokes. These recommendations can help deter trips and falls in the senior’s residence:

• Ensure that halls and pathways to the bathroom, bedroom, and kitchen are clear so the individual can move about effortlessly
• Consider platform lifts or stair glides for any stairways in the house 
• Remove or secure loose rugs 
• Install grab bars in the shower or tub
• Mount a tub bench or shower chair
• Place non-slip mats inside and outside the bathtub

Ease Laundry Tasks:

Taking care of laundry necessitates a significant amount of lifting, reaching, bending, and pulling that may be difficult for someone recovering from a stroke. The tips below can help:

• Relocate washers and dryers to a more easily accessible location in the home 
• Consider stackable, front-loading machines that might be easier to reach
• Set up detergents and other laundry supplies in a location that is easy to reach
• Use an ironing board that folds down from the wall

Create a Safer Bedroom:

The bedroom needs to be a place of safety and sanctuary. To ensure that it stays that way after a stroke, consider these tips:

• Install a light switch close to the bed
• Reorganize clothing and personal items to ensure they are easier to access
• Keep a commode chair close to the bed

With our in-home safety evaluations and suggestions, Endeavor In Home Care can help confirm that that your loved one’s home is safe and sound for stroke recovery at home. Our fully trained caregivers can also provide the care and assistance your loved one needs to improve recovery and make life more efficient. Contact us today to learn more about our home care services and to request a free in-home consultation to see how we can help with the specific challenges you’re facing.