I think I speak for most when I say that everyone has someone in their life who has suffered from a stroke. The thing about strokes is that they affect everyone differently, forcing people to live with different challenges, both physical and cognitive. That being said, there are many different factors that need to be considered in order to manage life after a stroke. Most people who have experienced one can move forward with a little bit of love, support and hope, and still lead a somewhat independent lifestyle.
Nowadays, there are many tools for stroke patients that you can implement into these patient’s homes to make their lives convenient and independent as well as to help make everyday tasks doable. For instance, a rolling walker can help with balance or combating weakness in the legs and arms. Patients can combine leg and arm strength to move forward with either a 2 or 4-wheel walker that’s usually equipped with a seat. Or in most cases, a wheelchair will be the ideal mobility assisting device throughout recovery. Wheelchairs come in a wide range of styles with special features, like handheld motion control and easy adjustability. Nevertheless, make sure to consult a healthcare professional to get the best choice for you or your loved one.
Furthermore, there are helping devices for the bathroom and bedroom as well. A prime example of a helping device used in bathrooms would be grab rails for the bath tub or shower, which provide support when entering and leaving. There are various types of grab rails, and the ideal one would depend on the needs and safety concerns of the patient. Alternatively, some people use shower chairs, which is a great solution for those who can’t stand for longer periods of time.
In addition, there are plenty of helping tools for stroke patients one can buy for the bedroom. These range from sock aids which help patients put on socks easier and quicker if they can’t bend over, to shoe horns which allow them to slip on their shoes from a sitting or standing sitting position, and velcro fasteners which replace the buttons on their clothes.
Lastly, you’ll also come across kitchen assistance devices, such as finger loop utensils, which can be of great help to people who don’t have grip strength, or a no-slip scoop plate which has round edges – enabling the use of utensils to be less strenuous.
