Robotic Therapy Rehabilitation Centre

How to Properly Handle a Stroke Patient

How to handle a stroke patient? Stroke recovery can be a tough period. Many patients face post-stroke symptoms that make it challenging to manage daily tasks. This includes difficulty communicating, paralysis, fatigue, memory problems and many more.

As a family member or caretaker, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the right post-stroke care plan to ensure a speedy recovery. Here’s everything you need to know:

how to properly handle a stroke patient

Understand the Type of Stroke

There are two types of stroke; ischemic and hemorrhagic. While there are other sub variations, these two are the most common. An ischemic stroke happens when a blood clot obstructs or constricts an artery. 

A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel bursts. Understanding the type of stroke is crucial as they have a different recovery process. For example, ischemic stroke patients should focus on improving blood flow and physical therapy. 

On the other hand, hemorrhagic stroke patients should focus on stabilising blood vessels and reducing pressure in the brain. All in all, always understand the type of stroke before developing a care plan.

Assist With Physical Therapy

Physical therapy for stroke patients can help regain movement and strength. Regular exercises prevent mobility and stiffness in muscles. It’s important for the patient to follow all recommended exercises while completing their therapy sessions. 

As the caretaker, it’s your job to encourage and support them throughout the process. Motivation and positive reinforcement are crucial for stroke recovery. Make sure they perform their exercises daily and assist them while they do so. 

Ensure they attend all their appointments so they can get the best treatment possible. Your presence means a lot as stroke patient safety should be highly prioritised during physical therapy.

Help With Speech and Cognitive Rehabilitation

Communication issues after stroke is normal. This is called aphasia, a difficulty understanding or producing language. Work closely with a speech therapist to help the patient practice communication. 

You can also engage them in activities like puzzles and memory games to enhance cognitive function. One of the easiest and most practical ways to help them is through everyday conversations. 

Talk to them on a regular basis, make sure they feel included in discussions. Be patient with them, avoid rushing their conversation and dont finish their sentences. Giving time to process and respond is key.

Manage Emotional and Psychological Support

Coping with stroke can make patients feel frustrated or depressed. Like wings being chipped off a bird, some stroke patients have little to control over their bodies. They may feel lost and helpless so it’s your job to provide support. 

Offer encouragement and create a positive environment. Make sure they feel safe expressing their feelings and fears. Let them know that it’s normal to experience a range of emotions and reassure them that they’re not alone. 

If needed, consider involving a psychologist or counsellor to help them cope. The mind is just as important as the body and one cannot recover without the other.

Monitor Medication and Diet

Stroke medications and the right diet are crucial for recovery. Ensure medications are taken on time. Additionally, a proper stroke diet and nutrition can help maintain good circulation and overall health. 

Avoid low sodium food or work with a nutritionist if possible. On a side note, remember to monitor any side effects from the medication.  Medications can sometimes cause stroke-related fatigue or other side effects like dizziness or gastrointestinal issues. 

Keep a detailed record of any side effects and talk to a healthcare professional about making adjustments.

Provide Assistance With Daily Activities

Stroke patients may need help with daily activities like dressing, bathing and eating. Prepare the home to make it easier for them to go about and move around. Modify the home and add assistive devices like grab bars, anti-slip mats and tap turners. 

Consider adding ramps where necessary for wheelchair users. While helping them move around is crucial, you should also encourage independence whenever possible. This can boost their confidence and help them recover faster.

Be Patient and Give Time

Stroke recovery can take time. Progress may be slow but it’s important to repeat the above with care and diligence. Be patient and compassionate as you support the patient through this challenging time. 

Don’t forget to instil indepence when necessary as progress is made. Encouraging patients to perform tasks on their own can be a huge confidence booster. Every small improvement is a victory and continuous support can make all the difference.

Look Out for Signs of Another Stroke

A stroke can recur again so it’s important to recognise potential signs. The FAST acronym for stroke is a great way to remember the warning signs:

Face Drooping

Check if there’s face drooping or numbness on one side. Ask the patient to smile; if their smile is uneven, it may indicate a problem.

Arm Weakness

Check if there’s weakness or numbness in one arm. Ask them to raise both arms; if one arm drifts downward, this could be a sign of a stroke.

Speech Difficulty

Keep an ear for slurred speech or difficulty speaking. Ask the patient to repeat a simple sentence; if they struggle, seek immediate help.

Time to Call For Help

If any of these symptoms are present, call emergency services right away. Every second counts when dealing with stroke.

The Takeaway

Getting help during recovery can mean all the difference in the world. As the caretaker, it’s your job to make sure they recover the right way. By following these steps, you can shorten the stroke recovery timeline and watch your patient regain independence.  

Check out our devices to find out how robotic rehabilitation can boost stroke recovery for people of all ages. Contact us to find out more!

Explore Our Product

Take a look at our collection of exoskeleton robot and devices that are focused in helping stroke patient back up on their feet.

UGO Exoskeleton Robot

Designed for patients with spinal cord injury, ,stroke, muscle, weakness and other neurological diseases caused by lower limb motor dysfunction.

KidsGO Exoskeleton Robot

Kid’s exoskeleton robot is an intelligent rehabilitation training device for improving abnormal motor function of lower limbs


QQ 浏览器 (XZ-Driod Smart)

Required for user by those with extremely low bone mineral density, severe joint deformities and pressure sores or unhealed pressure sores.

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