In this post, we explain what you can do to help your spouse who is a victim of a stroke on the path to recovery.
The brain is traversed by numerous blood vessels that ensure blood circulation. A stroke, or cerebrovascular accident (CVA), occurs when a cerebral artery ruptures, causing a hemorrhagic stroke, or when a small clot temporarily blocks blood flow in an artery, known as an ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).
Atherosclerosis, the formation of lipid plaques on blood vessel walls, is one of the main causes of stroke. High blood pressure is also a significant risk factor.
When you realize that your spouse has survived a stroke, your initial thoughts are likely happiness and gratitude, but uncertainty may soon set in. So, what does the road to recovery look like after a stroke?
The path to stroke recovery
When someone has had a stroke and presents at the emergency room, the hospital’s primary goal is to save their life.
Once your spouse is out of immediate danger, investigation begins. The medical team’s first priority is determining the cause of the stroke.
Subsequently, measures will be taken to prevent another stroke, as certain medications can help depending on the type of stroke suffered.
The patient will undergo numerous tests within the first 48 hours; thereafter, they may undergo physical therapy to aid in their recovery to optimal health before returning home or to a rehabilitation center.
5 ways you can help your spouse who has had a stroke
Even though you may feel powerless during your spouse’s rehabilitation process, you can assist in their recovery with these tips.
1. Be patient
- Recovering from a stroke can be incredibly frustrating and aggravating for the stroke victim. Often, it’s the family and caregivers who bear the brunt of this frustration.
Therefore, both natural caregivers and the family of a stroke victim need to remain patient, especially during challenging times.
2. Learn to let go
- One of the most difficult things for a spouse is wanting to do things for the stroke victim. They may see their spouse struggling to use a fork, cut food, or perform other simple tasks, and want to do these things for them.
While this is natural, it’s important to let go and allow them to do things on their own as much as possible.
3. Find other ways to communicate
- Aphasia is common in stroke survivors, occurring when parts of the brain controlling language are damaged, leading to speech impairments. This is often one of the most frustrating consequences as the victim struggles to speak.
Ways to help your spouse cope with aphasia include giving them time to speak, guessing their words and ideas if permitted, exploring voice assistance tools (like iPhone and Android apps), and having items like photos, cards, papers, and pencils handy for communication.
4. Monitor for depression
- n affect over a third of stroke survivors, partly due to feelings of despair or sadness over the impact of the stroke on their lives and relationships, especially with their spouse.
Unfortunately, depression can hinder stroke treatment and recovery. Signs of depression include persistent feelings of sadness or emptiness, sleep disturbances, and changes in appetite.
5. Remember to take care of yourself too
- We understand it’s easier said than done when you have a spouse or loved one who needs constant care due to a stroke.
Often, spouses of stroke victims, who require extensive care and attention, neglect their own physical and emotional health and do not seek medical care for themselves.
Remember, the personal health of a stroke victim’s spouse is crucial because if something were to happen to them, the stroke victim would be left in a difficult position.
In all cases of stroke, spouses need to show courage and patience, and most importantly, not wait until they are exhausted before seeking help.