Recovery From Grade 5 Stroke

Recovering from a severe stroke takes a lot of patience, effort and hard work from both the stroke victim and the caregiver. A severe stroke can leave the patient permanently disabled and unable to perform basic daily tasks, meaning the patient's family and/or caregiver must make serious changes to help the patient recover or adjust to life in his new situation, as many stroke survivors suffer from limited mobility, communication problems, memory loss, behavioral changes and reduced ability to function. Recovery can turn into a slow and difficult process for all parties involved.

Modifications and Adjustments

• Caregivers and family member of individuals who have recently suffered a grade 5 stroke need to keep in mind that their loved one has suffered a traumatic, life-changing event and may have lost the ability to speak, move and function independently.

  To make life easier for the patient, make adjustments to her home. For example, if the patient has become wheelchair-bound, build a ramp to provide further mobility. Help increase mobility and reduce the risk of injury by purchasing special eating utensils, a shower bar and a specially modified bed.

  Because many stroke victims suffer memory loss and behavioral problems, it is important for caregivers and family members to try to keep things in the same place and carry-out daily activities in the same order every day. This can help the stroke victim feel more in control of his life.

Physical Therapy and Disease Prevention

• Physical therapy makes up an integral part of the recovery process. A speech therapist and physical therapist can help the patient regain at least partial communication skills and mobility and can help him learn to eat and drink again. Although severe stroke victims may never fully recover and regain complete independence, a physiotherapist can help the individual learn to live with and adapt to his new condition.

  Because individuals who have suffered a severe stroke become prone to infections, bed sores and recurrent strokes, take steps to protect the patient from further health complications. The stroke victim should limit her exposure to public places. Fit her with a feeding tube if she experiences problems swallowing or eating; aspiration pneumonia can develop if bacteria makes its way into the patient's lungs.

  To prevent bedsores, reposition the patient every couple of hours and elevate the affected/paralyzed side of the body with pillows. To prevent another stroke, keep the patient on a low-salt, low-fat, low-cholesterol diet. Cut food into small pieces to prevent choking.

Mental/Emotional Health

• The vast majority of stroke victims, especially severe stroke victims, experience some degree of depression. Family members and caregivers need to remember that mobility and communication problems, as well as memory loss, take a heavy toll on the victim, who will naturally feel some degree of depression over his new situation.

  Because of this loss of independence and function, many stroke victims experience frustration, anger and apathy. These behavioral changes can make a stroke victim difficult to manage. Keep in mind that the stroke has affected the patient's brain and a support group or psychologist can help her regain her self-esteem and self worth.