How to Deal With Emotional and Behavioral Changes After a Stroke
After someone you care for has a stroke, she may seem like an entirely different person. A stroke affects the brain even if it didn't occur in the brain--centers of communication and emotion can be damaged so that the person is no longer able to function as she once did. Taking time for yourself and being patient with the stroke victim is the best way to deal with the behavioral and emotional changes following a stroke.
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Obtain all the help you can as soon as your loved one is out of danger. If you will be the primary caretaker, enlist other members of your family to help you out. If you can afford it, hire a part-time nurse so you can continue to work and maintain a healthy social life. Not having an outlet for yourself, while caring for your loved one, can lead to resentment and frustration. Having time for yourself will make you more patient and able to deal with the crises that can emerge.
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Research ways to help improve the stroke victim's motor skills. The Nintendo Wii has been used by some doctors to help stroke victims regain motor skills in their arms and legs. Using this at home can be a way to spend time with the stroke victim while helping her improve the chances of a full recovery.
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Research ways to help the victim improve her emotional health. One of the most difficult things for a stroke victim to cope with is the inability to communicate. Sitting down with them and letting them talk to you as best they can--even if it's difficult to follow--is a good way to make them feel valued and cared for. If they are unable to write or speak, but can move their arms, suggest painting to them. Brightly colored paints and large sheets of white paper can help them pass the time and give them something to do while you focus on household chores and other errands.
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Understand aphasia and make sure that you're communicating correctly. One of the most frustrating things for caretakers of stroke patients is the feeling that they aren't being understood. The Aphasia Foundation offers a list of suggestions to help you communicate with a stroke victim. They recommend that you keep communication simple, in a room without distractions, and that you have the person's attention. Give them positive feedback when they speak; they don't need to hear criticisms. It's okay if they aren't pronouncing things perfectly.
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Continue living your daily life and allowing them to live theirs as much as possible. You'll need to restructure your schedule somewhat, though, to make room for physical therapy and allow time to let them talk about their fears and concerns. Going on slow walks, if they're able, is a great way to spend time together while helping their brain learn to respond to commands and repair itself.
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- Photo Credit brush stroke image by Sirena Designs from Fotolia.com
