When a family member suffers a stroke, it’s a difficult and stressful situation, especially if their condition makes caring for themselves impossible. While feeling overwhelmed is perfectly natural for caregivers, knowing what to do and how to provide the attention your loved one needs will give you peace of mind. Below are a few tips for taking care of a family member who’s had a stroke.

4 Tips for Being a Caregiver to Stroke Victims

1. Prepare Their Home

The physical impairments that usually follow a stroke make home accidents more likely. Clear walkways, remove tripping hazards, and move tables with sharp corners away from the flow of traffic. If necessary, rearrange their house so they won’t have to go up or down stairs.

2. Talk to Their Doctor

Understand what medication your family member needs, how often they should take it, and what side effects to expect. Having the doctor explain the process of recovery and what you can expect will help you develop realistic expectations and make the entire process easier.

3. Help Them Prevent a Second Stroke

Those who have survived one stroke are usually at a higher risk of having another, so pay attention to their basic needs. Make sure they get as much exercise as they can, eat a healthy diet, and make all of their doctor’s appointments.

4. Get Help

If you’re worried you won’t have time to give your family member the attention they deserve, hire an in-home caregiver to handle their daily needs and keep them company. A professional care provider will make sure your loved one eats well, provide companionship when you can’t be there, and administer medication on time.

The caregivers at Brightstar of West St. Louis County are dedicated to providing peace of mind to families throughout the St. Louis, MO, area. If your loved one suffered a stroke, visit the company’s website to see how they can help, or call (314) 819-6000 to schedule a free assessment today. For more senior care advice and tips, follow these leading professionals on Twitter.