30/10/2022
On the occasion of world stroke day, continuing our series on stroke, we wish to create awareness among the caregivers as they play the most important role in the recovery!
When the patient is in the ICU, Physiotherapists help maintain mobility and try for muscle activation. These are such exercises, which if repeated 3-4 times a day by the caregiver, will benefit to get the patient out of the bed faster. Also, many patients have neglect, try to speak to them from the affected side so thay they start recognising the affected side. This helps in getting better muscle activation.
When the patient is out of the ICU, but still in the hospital, we should continue all exercises and caregivers should also learn to make them sit bedside. Therapist and caregiver should make an exercise plan and work accordingly.
After the patients get discharged from the hospital, we should aim at getting the patient to the rehab department for therapy. Getting out of the house, transfers from chair to car etc, travelling all make a lot of difference and help to get the patient’s confidence back! Also, we get to work more vigorously and use various equipments like treadmill, functional electrical stimulation, mirrors, mirror therapy etc.
We want all the care givers to understand that the patient is unable to do any activity because of the stroke! We need to train their brain for it. So be patient and give them time. At the same time don’t pamper them unnecessarily!
Understand that there may be many problems that the patient is facing. So assure them that you are with them for everything they need. But don’t make them learn to be dependent on you!
Many times care givers tell us that the patients don’t do exercises. But it is very difficult for the patients to do all the exercises alone. They need help. Gradually when the strength builds up, the will become independent. Practice is the key to success.