Recovering from stroke is a long and sometimes painful progression. Unfortunately age creates other problems such as dementia, brittle bones, and arthritis in old joints. To have to contend with a possible loss of speech or paralysis can be very daunting to the senior stroke patient.
Recovering from stroke usually will start within days, with strong progress in the first two or three months and continuing improvement for a year or more. It is important for the stroke survivor to be encouraged and not to lose hope. Elderly people are reluctant to continue therapy, and will often accept 'what life has dealt them.'
Everyone’s recovery is different and should be treated in such a way as to suit the patient. Some seniors will work very hard at recovery and others find it too tiring. Those patients who tire easily become frustrated, unable to speak clearly or fail to focus on small details. A day filled with too many activities or visitors will cause the patient to be weepy or extremely angry. The caregiver soon learns the limitations of the person in recovery. Having someone keep a daily journal of mood swings and ups and downs helps to chart progress for your doctor and any rehabilitation therapy that is being received.
When the stroke survivor is a senior, many habits and impressions of one’s self worth are very deeply embedded and do not necessarily disappear because of a brain injury stroke. The patient may have to replace old skills with new skills, but please, always with dignity.
Recovering from stroke calls for some home modifications; handrails in bathrooms, special eating tools, toilet riser. Try to keep the patient informed of these changes and why they are necessary. Gradual introduction of such items or modification of rooms should be sensitive to the stroke patients' desire to lead a normal life.
I am a lay person so I can only relate my own personal experience with my husband who is a stroke patient. There are many different types of strokes requiring different recovery techniques. Your medical team will be supportive in the definition of the type of stroke the patient has had, and will prescribe the rehabilitation needed for recovery. Stroke recovery is a fulltime occupation, for the survivor and the caregiver. It is filled with frustration, anger and the desire to ‘throw in the towel’.
With time, successful recovery is more hopeful than ever before. Better treatment centers, access to preventative medications, enabling therapy, lead to a further improvement in quality of life. Damaged brain tissue may not be healed but in the weeks following a stroke, lost abilities may return or become less severe. Summary Rehabilitation should start immediately. Be sensitive to patients’ personal needs. Stroke recovery can and does take place. Love and patience is foremost in recovery. Elderly stroke survivors can still be companions and contribute to a wholesome family life. It is all in the attitude.
