Helping rehabilitation
Unfortunately, however natural it is to feel depressed and anxious, negative feelings will get in the way of progress. It’s important for the person to focus on what they want to achieve and stay positive. Here are some tips.
- Practise the tasks therapists have taught between therapy sessions - but don’t exhaust yourself.
- Understand why each task has been set. This will help keep you motivated. Remember that recovery can be gradual and even when progress is slow it is worth persevering.
- Don’t push people away. Talking to others, or even just being with other people if you have difficulty communicating, can stop you becoming isolated and withdrawn.
- Stay healthy. Plenty of sleep, a good diet and regular physical exercise are all important.
- Don’t despair if you don’t fully regain your previous abilities. Enjoy the best quality of life and independence that you can.
Links
Audio version - Coping (996 kb)
Brain attack
Recovery and rehabilitation
Physiotherapy
Occupational therapy
Speech and language therapy
Swallowing
Vision
Using the toilet
Psychological changes
Support at home
Rehabilitation in the community
“He has lost confidence, he can’t walk, his speech isn’t very good, and he has poor short-term memory. It’s a real struggle.” Susie’s husband John was 59 when he had a stroke.