In-Home Respite Care After A Stroke

If your loved one has suffered from a stroke, you know that the road to recovery is long and the pace can be slow. Stroke survivors need help learning how to function at home and deal with the physical and emotional challenges that occur after a stroke. Family and friends can provide loving care, but caregivers need help and support, too.

Stroke Recovery

Stroke recovery is different for each patient, depending on the type of stroke, severity and the area of the brain affected. Patients who experience loss of balance or coordination, paralysis, weakness, fatigue or bladder or bowel control issues will need help when they return home.

Family Care

Caregivers help to ensure the patient's safety and comfort and meet their personal and health care needs. Family and friends who are able to devote the time and effort needed for caregiving may prefer to look after their loved one's needs whenever possible rather than hire professional in-home care.

Patient Needs

Recovery from a stroke can take more than two years. In addition to medical care provided by doctors, nurses and therapists outside the home, the patient requires care to function at home as they work to regain strength, mobility, speech and memory. During this process, it may also be necessary for the patient to come to terms with the fact that they may not regain some of their former abilities and have to learn to cope with adapting to their new level of functionality.

Caregiver Needs

Family caregivers can feel overwhelmed by their responsibilities. This difficult job can be stressful and exhausting, especially if their loved one is limited in their ability to perform tasks for themselves. Without support, caregivers can find it hard to overcome feelings of anxiety, frustration, resentment and depression. Caregivers sometimes need a break from their responsibilities to rest, recharge and have time for themselves.  

Respite Services

In-home care professionals like MultiCare Home Health can provide respite services for caregivers. Family and friends who provide care for a loved one can feel secure knowing that the patient receives high-quality care and companionship while they take time to meet their own needs. Regularly-scheduled visits from home care professionals support family caregivers by helping to reduce stress and prevent burn-out.

Taking Care of Caregivers

Respite services allow family caregivers to take better care of their own emotional and physical health. When caregivers are healthy, happy and refreshed, they can are able to provide their loved ones with the best care possible.

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