When a stroke occurs, life changes. Simple tasks become difficult. Just communicating your needs or feelings becomes a challenge. More so, every stroke is different in terms of the damage it causes. Recovery from a stroke requires a lot of hard work and support, which is why we provide professional assistance at Wickshire Senior Living. Whether you need rehabilitation at home or at one of our locations – or if you need respite care for a loved one – our communities offer ample support to guide you.
What to Expect When Recovering from a Stroke
Strokes damage the brain in various ways. It may damage brain cells in a large area or a smaller region. Since each area of the brain functions differently, the resulting outcome from a stroke depends specifically on where the stroke occurs and how severe it is. The good news is that the brain can relearn and adapt in many situations, so recovery needs to be a priority. Expect to receive a wide range of therapies and support through the process, including:
- Support for physical recovery, including improving overall mobility and skills like walking
- Occupational therapy, which aids in small skill improvement and may include things like opening a can or writing
- Support for emotional health, as stroke damage can be significant and lead to depression
- Speech therapy to help those with difficulties gain the support they need
- Fitness and physical training to help build up core muscles and improve stability
Your needs are specific to your condition. Working with a therapist, you’ll create a treatment plan to address the deficiencies you have relating to the stroke.
Choosing the Right Type of Care for Stroke Recovery
The amount of damage done by the stroke often determines the level of care a person needs. For some people, going home after a stroke is the ideal choice because it puts you back in your environment to work on the healing process. If you can manage overall mobility, this can work well. Home recovery can still include treatment from professionals who provide support and therapy. A home health nurse can help with medical needs in some cases as well.
For others with significant needs, an assisted living community may be a better choice. Here, your medical needs are met, and you get better access to supportive assisted living services. That includes rehabilitation but also helps with completing your daily necessities such as bathing, eating, and toileting. Over time, you may get stronger and be able to go home to finish your recovery.