Recovering from stroke: What can we do?

Stroke may cause temporary or permanent weakness or paralysis on one side of the body. A person who is suffered a stroke may have difficulty caring for himself or herself, such as in bathing, dressing, and managing a household or a job. Stroke can affect a person's vision, memory, speech, and muscle strength, as well as his or her ability to drive a car safely and engage in typical leisure activities.

Occupational therapists are trained in helping people lead as independent a life as possible. Occupational therapists can help stroke survivors regain their strength to again engage in daily activities.

What can occupational therapists do?

Recommend equipment for the home that can aid a person completing tasks, such as dressing, bathing, preparing meals, and driving.
Fabricate a customized splint to improve hand function.
Evaluate the home for safety hazards and adapt the home by removing hazards that can cause further injury.
Provide training that improves the ability to complete daily tasks.
Build a person’s physical endurance and strength.
Help a person compensate for vision and memory loss.
Provide activities that rebuild self-confidence and self-esteem.

What can family and friends do?

Participate in stroke education classes to become better aware of how stroke affects a person.
Encourage a stroke survivor to practice tasks to increase strength and endurance and to speed recovery.
Consult an occupational therapist about how to help a person who is suffered a stroke to participate in meaningful daily activities and tasks.

Information provided by the American Occupational Therapy Association Inc. www.aota.org

Additional Information and webpage by Paul Susic MA Licensed Psychologist Ph.D. Candidate