If someone you love has a stroke, you may find yourself in the role of caregiver – possibly making you the single most important factor in the stroke survivor’s recovery.
A stroke in the family can turn everyone’s world upside down. The physical and emotional changes in the survivor often demand major adjustments in day-to-day life.
Family caregivers – especially spouses – are instrumental in rehabilitation and recovery, but they too often face significant financial, physical and emotional costs. The resulting depression can impact the caregiver and may, in turn, hamper the survivor’s recovery.
Being a stroke caregiver is a demanding, but rewarding, responsibility. One of the most important parts of the job is to help the stroke survivor become as independent as possible.
If you’re a caregiver, at times you may feel overwhelmed. This is a normal reaction so it is helpful to learn to delegate. Think about what family members, friends or outside resources can do to lighten your load.
As a caregiver you may sometimes feel burntout, frustrated, helpless, depressed, afraid and even angry. Such feelings are not bad – they are normal and understandable.
Here are some suggestions from the Heart and Stroke Foundation for dealing with these emotions:
• Share your feelings with a close friend or family member.
• Try to have at least one daily conversation about a topic that’s not related to stroke.
• Do something you find relaxing, such as taking a walk, reading or yoga.
• Enlist the help of family, friends or community agencies. Don’t feel guilty if you can’t be with the stroke survivor every minute.
