Page 11 - Copyright 2013 - Pamplin Media Group

September 25, 2013 Page 11 Senior Lifestyles
“We moved to Friendsview because the assurance of
continuing care is extremely valuable to us.
It has made it possible to plan for the
future without the need
to worry about a huge
increase in costs if we
need advanced care.”
—Bill and
Myrlene
Rourke
Friendsview is a faith-based,
not-for-profit continuing care
retirement community located next
to George Fox University in Newberg.
For information call
503-538-3144 or visit
www.friendsview.org
440460.092513
440459.092513
Serving the Yamhill Valley for over 30 Years!
Life after a stroke: Advice for physical and emotional recovery
Did you know a stroke occurs every 40
seconds on average? About 795,000
Americans suffer a new or recurrent
stroke each year, according to the American
Stroke Association. If you or a loved one has
survived a stroke, recovery depends largely
on the severity of the brain damage. With
love, support and patience, the journey to-
ward a new normal can begin.
A stroke is life changing for the patient as
well as his or her support network. Some
people make a full recovery, while others
suffer from various disabilities. In addition to
working closely with a doctor through a per-
sonalized recovery program, joining a sup-
port group is a great initial step. When cop-
ing with the aftermath of a stroke, it can help
to be surrounded by others with similar ex-
periences. Some difficult parts of stroke re-
habilitation may include:
Communication challenges
Difficulties communicating can be some
of the most frustrating effects of stroke. De-
pending on where the brain is damaged, it’s
not uncommon to suffer partial or total loss
of the ability to talk, read, write or under-
stand what people say.
Make it a goal to practice communicating
at least once a day. Relax, take your time and
use communication aids as necessary, like
cue cards. Using fewer words paired with
gestures or tone of voice can help streamline
communication. Many people benefit from
speech and language therapy.
Family and friends need to remember that
improving communication skills engages
stroke survivors so they feel more connected
and less isolated, an important part of reha-
bilitation.
Physical movement
Getting out of the house and being able to
move independently provides a sense of free-
dom during recovery. Many stroke survivors
regain the ability to walk, but may suffer
from side effects that make it more difficult.
Foot drop is a common side effect, which
means difficulty lifting the front of the foot
when walking, so much so that it may drag,
which can be a tripping hazard.
Foot drop may be a temporary or perma-
nent condition caused by stroke. The good
news is there are options to help. Vibration
therapy provided through affordable prod-
ucts can help increase mobility and retrain
muscles and nerves in the leg and foot to re-
spond as they should while walking.
Emotional adjustment
When adjusting to life after a stroke, sur-
vivors often experience a flood of emotions.
Grieving for loss of physical and mental
abilities is normal and a healthy part of the
adjusting process. But when normal sadness
continues for extended periods, it can turn
into depression and needs to be treated im-
mediately by a mental health professional.
Stroke survivors also often feel anxiety.
Extreme worry or fear can cause restless-
ness, fatigue, muscle tension, poor concen-
tration and irritability. Both depression and
anxiety are common for stroke survivors.
The good news is they can be treated, and
there are many coping mechanisms, so be
sure to ask your doctor.
Whether adjusting to physical impair-
ments or the emotions of suffering from a
major health scare, it’s important to remain
positive. Loved ones are a crucial part of re-
habilitation and can provide support when it
is needed most. It might take years to adjust
to a new normal after a stroke, both for the
victim and the families, but patience and
love can help ensure a speedier recovery for
everyone.
Brandpoint media
After you or a loved one has survived a stroke, with love, support and patience the journey toward a new normal life can begin
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