MedifocusHealth

Experiencing a stroke has an enormous impact on the patient as well as the family. The patient may suffer from shock, irritability, loss and grieving, a sense of losing their "role" in the family, social isolation, mood changes, depression, and problems with communication if there is aphasia or cognitive deficits. Some survivors find that the social effects of the stroke (e.g., isolation, lack of communication, changing of roles in the family, dependence on others) to be overwhelming and more significant than the physical aftermath. The psychological trauma is very deep and has been described by some survivors as a "personal catastrophe". The impact on the family may be no less catastrophic as they must face a new reality regarding the patient's position in the family, fear and uncertainty about the future, financial worries and adjustments, and a whole new schedule revolving around rehabilitation and the medical issues of the patient.

In order to smooth the transition of the patient from a hospital or rehabilitation facility to home, it is wise to have the patient go home for one day not only to prepare him/herself for the physical modifications to their home, but to also prepare themselves psychologically for the "new order of living" in their home. For the survivor, the changes following stroke are not only physical changes that are dealt with through rehabilitation, but changes which are also emotional and psychological.

Since the patient may have communication deficits or may be preoccupied with adjusting to their situation, they are sometimes left out when major decisions regarding their recovery are being made. It is important for the stroke survivor to have strong input into decisions being made about their care. If the survivor suffers from communication problems, alternative ways may need to be established so that the patient's wishes are known and respected. The patient's questions and opinion must be communicated to the health care providers and care must be paid to ensure that the patient understands what decisions are being made. In addition, some of the things the family can do to help the patient include supporting the patients decisions; educating themselves about stroke recovery by participating in support groups or classes for stroke survivors and their families; attending some rehabilitation sessions so that they can learn how to help and reinforce what the patient is working on; learning how to ease communication for the patient; and understanding all the issues involved in the patient's discharge from the hospital or rehabilitation facility and the instructions for practicing skills learned. Rehabilitation is a long, arduous, frustrating road and enormous amounts of patience are required by the patient and his/her family or caregiver.

It is also important that the patient keep all follow-up medical and rehabilitation appointments so that there is no gap in treatment. Because the patient may move slowly and take a long time in preparation to go out, the caregiver should help the patient prepare with sufficient time to reduce the stress for both of them. For some patients, the effort required to go to all of their appointments can add to the psychological burden they may already feel. The stroke survivor may also benefit from joining a poststroke support group where they can discuss concerns and benefit from the feedback of others sharing their experience.