Returning home after a stroke is a major victory for the patient. Survivors are excited to get back to their day-to-day lives. But it is still a big adjustment.
What do you do after a stroke? How can you return to your daily routine in Ashland, OR? And how can a post acute facility make this process smoother?
Ashland Post Acute is the premier post acute facility in the Ashland area. Our staff is dedicated to helping you recover as quickly as possible. We’ve created this guide to assist you in understanding what to do and what to expect after a stroke.
What to Expect After a Stroke?
Returning home after a stroke requires patience. This patience not only involves the patient, but also the caregivers. Homes will need to be adjusted to make the recovery journey easier and safer.
Recovery will also need support and planning. Stroke rehabilitation doesn’t always follow your expected timeline.
Our team recommends working closely with your healthcare providers. It’s very important to understand what you need to do after a stroke to prevent further setbacks.
How a Post Acute Facility Can Help
A post acute facility like Ashland Post Acute works as a stepping stone between surgery and home. Here, nurses are available 24/7 to provide medication and support to patients. This can be a good option to help the patient recover faster and provide time for caregivers to ready the home.
Besides round-the-clock nursing, specialized therapists are also on hand to assist the patient with relearning daily living, mobility, and speech skills. This ensures that the patients have all the tools they need to get back on track.
Skilled nurses can provide emotional support to family members or loved ones. Strokes can cause all sorts of fears and worries. Having someone to talk to can aid in emotional and physical healing.
Rehabilitation is an ongoing process. Consistent participation is required to ensure positive results. Skilled nurses can also help watch for warning signs of another potential stroke.
How to Prepare Your Home
Simple modifications can increase accessibility and ensure safety. We recommend:
- Picking up anything loose on the floor, including slippery rugs
- Adding grab bars and non-slip mats to bathrooms, especially in the shower and near the toilet
- Creating clear paths without furniture or other obstructions
- Adding lighting to illuminate dark areas
- Ensuring daily living necessity items are easy to reach
How to Manage Medications
After a stroke, the patient must take additional medications to prevent future problems. These medications are a necessity to staying healthy.
So, it’s important to:
- Take medications as instructed
- Keep a list of medications
- Potentially use a pill organizer or medication reminder app
We recommend consulting with your healthcare provider before changing or stopping taking any medications. Adjusting your pills could be detrimental to your rehabilitation.
Preparing for the Future
Establishing a healthy lifestyle can prevent strokes. This includes eating a balanced diet, staying physically active, managing stress, getting enough sleep, and avoiding smoking and alcohol.
You should also understand the warning signs of a stroke, including:
- Sudden weakness or numbness
- Vision changes
- Changes to speech
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Sudden, intense headache
Getting to the doctor at the first sign of these symptoms can avoid risk of worse outcomes.
Why Choose Ashland Post Acute?
Ashland Post Acute is the leading post acute care facility in the Ashland, OR, area. We have a team of compassionate and skilled nurses and specialists to provide the highest quality care to our residents. To ensure that our residents stay active, we also offer a variety of activities and amenities.
Our team is ready to get you back to normal. Contact us today and learn more about our services and staff!