Be Inspired-Occupational Therapy 4 Stroke

Caregivers/family members play a prominent role throughout the post-stroke recovery process. Caregivers/family members are essential to successful home care and too often are ignored. Caring for stroke survivors at home can cause high levels of emotional, mental and physical stress. In addition to distress, disruption of employment and family life makes caregiving very challenging. Family caregivers can promote positive post-stroke recovery outcomes; however, they need to care for themselves as well. Post-stroke recovery varies for each person; even if the stroke survivor returns to work and maintains a large amount of autonomy, family members may play a bigger role in the stroke survivor’s live than before the stroke.



Caregivers/family members may:

• Assist with doctor’s appointments, medications, and exercises.
• Manage financial matters and transportation.
• Provide the stroke survivor with physical, mental and emotional support.
• Assist the stroke survivor with daily activities such as personal care and hygiene.
• Plan out the stroke survivor’s care, including setting routines and managing the care team.
• Assess stroke survivor’s medical needs, communicate with healthcare professionals and advocate (medically) for the stroke survivor.