It may seem unlikely that a return home will ever be possible, especially if your loved one has lost the use of part of their body or their language skills. Yet care in the home may offer the way towards the fullest possible recovery.

Returning home can prevent or alleviate depression

Many stroke patients suffer from depression. It is common for them to feel anxious, that they are a burden on their carers, they may grieve for their life prior to the stroke and feel like there is no point in continuing.

Being able to return to their own home, close to family and friends and perhaps pets, surrounded by familiar objects can improve the person’s outlook. A live in care worker will be there 24 hours a day to provide a non-judgemental and impartial listening ear for their concerns which your loved one may feel embarrassed to share with you.

Familiar surroundings make falls less likely

Stroke victims are at risk of falling – and it can be more severe if they do so. Being in their own home, so that they know where the hazards are and with a carer on hand to assist without needing to wait for a call button to be answered can significantly decrease the likelihood that your relative will take a tumble.

Close observation can reveal warning signs earlier

Stroke recovery can be a frustrating process. Something the person seemed to be getting the hang of yesterday can have slipped out of their reach again today. Keeping a diary of progress is an important part of stroke rehabilitation, allowing all healthcare professionals, as well as the victim themselves, to see how the recovery has progressed. It is no substitute for the pattern matching skills of an experienced in home carevworker who can tell the difference between a minor set back and the potential onset of further strokes.

Emergency response times

Stroke victims are more likely to have another stroke – within 5 years 24% of women and 42% of men will have had another one. Having another person in the home at all times means that, should another stroke occur, the emergency services can be alerted faster. In a stroke every minute of delay means further damage to the brain.

Healthy lifestyle

Many older people lack the motivation to keep mobile but participating in some form of exercise can be good for stroke survivors. A live-in carer can help your loved one to perform some exercises that are within their capabilities. 

Eating healthy food is good for any older person and a home care worker can tailor the menu to find a good balance between offering food that is appealing and healthy.