Understanding Your Stroke:
A Guide for Patients and Families
The Road to Recovery
Strokes are devastating to both patients and their family members. It
is important to remember that feelings of frustration, hopelessness,
anger and depression are normal and will pass with each step of progress
you make. The staff nurses will encourage you to maintain your
independence by asking you to try new tasks. Not all areas of the brain
are affected the same way, so a person may do well with one activity but
have trouble with another seemingly easier task. The severity of the
stroke, the presence of other medical conditions and a person's age will
play a role in recovery.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapists are members of the health care team who evaluate
patients and design a plan to meet each patient's needs toward the goal
of independence. Physical therapists are trained to work with you to
help you reach optimal movement and function. They also educate patients
and family members.
Specifically, the physical therapist will help you
learn to:
- Get in and out of bed
- Improve your balance
- Increase your strength
- Walk safely or use a wheelchair by yourself
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapists evaluate and treat patients who have
difficulty performing daily activities such as feeding, bathing,
dressing and homemaking tasks. Occupational therapists help you to
improve your concentration, memory, safety awareness, balance, strength
and coordination. They work to help you become as independent as
possible before you leave the hospital.
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