Caring for a loved one after a stroke: the first weeks at home

In the first weeks after a stroke, help your loved one practice what the therapists teach. Keep the home safe and watch for warning signs. Take care of yourself too.

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What changes when you get home

In a hospital or rehab center, therapy may happen every day. At home, therapists usually come a few times a week.

That change can feel like a step back. It is not. Recovery keeps going through practice between visits.

Who may visit

Your loved one’s doctor decides which services they get. The team may include:

A physical therapist for walking, balance, and moving safely
An occupational therapist for dressing, bathing, and other daily tasks
A speech therapist for talking, understanding, memory, and swallowing
A nurse for blood pressure, medicines, and health checks

Your role between visits

Practice the exercises the therapists show you. Ask for written steps, or ask if you can take a video on your phone.
Let your loved one do as much as they safely can, even if it takes longer.
Use the ways of talking and listening the speech therapist teaches.
Follow the speech therapist’s advice about food and drinks exactly.
Keep a notebook. Write down questions, changes you notice, and any readings the nurse asks you to track.

Keep the home safe

Ask the therapist to show you safe ways to help with moving from bed, chair, toilet, and car. Do not try new moves alone first.
Clear paths of rugs, cords, and clutter.
Ask the therapist about grab bars, a shower chair, or other equipment.
Add night lights between the bed and the bathroom.
Keep a phone where your loved one can reach it.

When to call

Call your care team if…

A fall, even without an obvious injury
Coughing or choking when eating or drinking
Blood pressure readings outside the range your doctor gave you
New confusion, low mood, or refusing to eat or take medicine

Use the number your care team gave you, or call us at 214-440-1394 (Texas) or 303-597-0505 (Colorado).

Call 911 if…

New stroke signs (BE FAST): loss of Balance, Eye or vision changes, Face drooping, Arm or leg weakness, Speech trouble. Time to call 911.
Chest pain or severe shortness of breath
A fall with a head injury or inability to get up

Do not wait to call your care team first.

Mood and motivation

Many people feel sad, angry, or worn out after a stroke. Some refuse therapy. This is common.

Tell the nurse or therapist what you see. They can change how sessions work and talk with the doctor.

Take care of yourself

Caregiving is hard work. Feeling tired, sad, or overwhelmed is normal.

Say yes when family and friends offer help. Give them a specific task.
Take a short break every day, even 15 minutes.
Keep your own doctor appointments.
Ask us about community resources and caregiver support.
The American Stroke Association has information for caregivers at stroke.org.

Questions to ask the care team

Which exercises should we do each day, and how many?
How can I help with moving and transfers without hurting either of us?
Are there foods or drinks to avoid, or ways to prepare them?
What blood pressure numbers should I call about?
What equipment would make home safer?
Who do I call at night or on weekends?

Questions? Call us.

We can answer questions about home health, Medicare, and your insurance, before or during care.