Your parent had a stroke: What’s next?

“You’ve had a stroke.” When your parent hears these words, their reaction – and yours – might include shock, denial and fear.

The recovery process can be filled with uncertainty, but it’s important to recognize that many have been in this position before. And modern protocols – based on decades of experience with millions of stroke survivors – can lead to a successful rehabilitation.

This guide breaks down the entire recovery process – from important questions to ask healthcare providers and factors that impact rehabilitation to practicing self-care.

10 Tips to Help Your Parent Recover After a Stroke

While your parent is in the hospital

• Ask which type of stroke your parent had. If it was an ischemic stroke, ask if clot-reducing medications have been used.
• Inquire about the stroke’s severity and how that might impact recovery.
• Ask for an explanation on the rehabilitation plan. Make sure you understand the medical staff’s assessment of the long-term effects the stroke has caused. Major symptoms include:
• Cognitive issues (problems with memory, difficulty speaking)
• Physical issues (weakness, paralysis, trouble swallowing, trouble sleeping, extreme fatigue)
• Emotional issues (depression, anxiety)

After your parent returns home

Make sure you are aware of conditions that may persist following a stroke. The hospital team will share their observations before discharging your parent, but some symptoms may not be noticeable until they settle in at home. Keep an eye out for the following:

• Muscle weakness, paralysis or balance problems
• Physical sensations including numbness, tingling and burning
• Pain
• Unusual tiredness
• Incontinence
• Speech issues
• Trouble swallowing
• Memory or attention problems
• Eyesight complaints
• Denial relating to the severity of the stroke

If you see or hear your parent describe any of the above, or if they say they don’t feel right – which could be as simple as experiencing feelings of loneliness – alert your parent’s care providers immediately. Just as time is of the essence when a stroke first happens, rapidly addressing emergent issues can help the recovery process.

Factors that impact recovery

According to the American Stroke Association, stroke recovery happens on multiple fronts. The degree of recovery depends on:

• The area of the brain affected
• The percentage of the brain impacted
• How motivated the person is to recover
• How committed and skilled the caregivers are
• How healthy the person was before the stroke

When does recovery peak? The period of fastest recovery is typically in the first three to six months following the stroke. However, some people continue to recover one to two years after.

Special considerations for older adults who suffer a stroke

According to the National Library of Medicine, about half of all strokes happen to people older than 75. Older adults often stay in the hospital longer and the recovery process is more difficult. Ask your parent’s medical team to identify any age-related challenges and how they might affect rehabilitation, and what the plan is to maximize recovery. You’ll also want to discuss any physical conditions that might change the course of rehabilitation, including cognitive impairment and incontinence.

While strokes may cause great harm to the body, research indicates the brain can bounce back. Neurons may begin to regenerate just a few days after a stroke – including the brains of older adults.

Create ideal conditions for recovery

• Review your parent’s prescriptions. Learn about possible side effects, some of which might increase due to the stroke. Make sure they take the correct doses of each medication at the appropriate times.
• Assess whether their home should be “stroke proofed.” Consider your parent’s symptoms and whether any inconveniences or hazards need adjusting.
• Be sure to address potential tripping hazards. Should your parent experience a fall with significant pain, bleeding or bruising, get them to a hospital immediately. If your parent falls repeatedly, consult with a doctor or physical therapist.

The role of physical therapy

If physical therapy is recommended, a plan will be established before your parent leaves the hospital. Discharge papers will outline a physical therapy protocol, and hospital staff may share other resources. Ask questions about the program and its goals, along with a therapy timetable. Make sure you and your parent understand the plan and are clear on how to follow it.

When searching for a physical therapist, seek someone who is experienced with stroke rehabilitation – ideally, a stroke recovery specialist who is skilled in helping people with coordination issues, balance problems and other conditions that impact quality of life.

Occupational therapy can help rebuild life skills

When the connection between the brain, nerves and muscles is compromised, occupational therapy can teach alternative methods for completing daily activities. This might include speaking and communication, walking and getting dressed, eating, writing, bathing, and toileting. The overriding goal will be to help your parent regain as much independence as possible.

Promoting positive outcomes during rehabilitation

Here are the main factors that contribute to a successful stroke rehabilitation program:

• How badly did the stroke damage the brain?
• How old is your parent?
• What is their level of alertness?
• How intense can the rehab program be?
• Does your parent have other medical conditions? If so, how serious are they?
• Can the home be outfitted for safety and independence, with additions like stair railings and grab bars?
• Are family and friends on board and ready to be supportive?
• How soon can rehabilitation begin?

Keep the lines of communication with your parent open

A decline in your parent’s physical abilities, changes to the way they live their life and challenges to their independence can cause emotional turmoil.

The best way to address the situation is straight on. Regularly ask your parent how they are feeling. Involve them in their recovery and care decisions. Be respectful of their feelings – but always speak the truth.

If your parent is experiencing communication problems due to the stroke, here are some helpful tips:

• Practice patience
• Create a quiet space with minimal distractions
• When possible, ask questions that can be answered with “yes” or “no”
• Don’t raise your voice or speak too softly
• Give your parent time to process what you are saying
• Listen to what your parent has to say and make sure they know you understand
• Don’t answer questions for your parent; give them time to respond

Form a strong social network

The demands of a hospital stay and the initial weeks of a rehabilitation program may find your parent and your family stretched thin. That’s why it’s important to assemble a team of family, friends and neighbors who are committed to your parent’s recovery.

The team can also help your parent avoid social isolation. Even a short in-person visit or phone call can help your parent maintain a positive mindset.

Practice self-care

Your parent suffered the stroke, but you are going through this too. It can be emotionally draining, and children of older adults who’ve had strokes often shove their emotions to the side and power through the situation. Yes, develop your courage muscles as part of being a good partner for your parent. However, being strong doesn’t mean ignoring your emotions. Acknowledge uncomfortable feelings and don’t say you’re fine if you’re not.

Further down the road to recovery: Six months and beyond

At this point, further recovery is a possibility, though progress will likely be slower. Is full recovery possible? For some, the answer is yes. Others learn to adjust to their limitations and live happy, fulfilling lives.

While recovery might be more or less complete, staying in contact with your parent’s healthcare team is an essential part of remaining healthy and lowering the chance of another stroke. Team members might include:

• Their primary care doctor
• A rehabilitation physician
• Physical and occupational therapists
• A neurologist
• A rehabilitation psychologist

Speak with your parent’s doctor’s office to identify the right team of professionals for your situation.

When your parent needs more help

If recovery goes well, your parent might bounce back to resume most or all of the activities they enjoyed prior to the stroke. On the other hand, the time may come when they need more help than you or other family members are able to provide.

If your parent is no longer socializing, eating well or staying active, it might be time for professional assistance. Some people who have had a stroke do well with in-home care; others get exactly what they need in an assisted living community.

Is assisted living the right choice for your parent? Consider a short-term stay at Atria. This might make a perfect transition following a hospitalization or rehab stay.