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After stroke, life may become uncertain. Getting diagnosed while trying to digest the life-changing event all together is going to be very stressful. As the doctor runs a couple of tests, the stay in the hospital gives you even less time to think about the future. However, aiding the recovery of a stroke patient will require some adjustments in the house beforehand so that it fits perfectly with their needs and can assist them as soon as they are discharged from the hospital. It is fairly possible that you may not be financially stable to afford paying medical bills, do some home renovations as well as taking care of your mental health all together. As a result, you can avail some loans or ask for help in household chores as well as borrow some money from your friends or neighbors and pay them back as soon as it’s possible for you.

If the person who has suffered a stroke has mobility issues and may need to use a wheelchair for a few weeks, then it’s wise to start by building a ramp or a slope on your porch. It will be easier to take them in and out of the house. 

In the living room, avoid crowding it with too much furniture like sofas, coffee table, lamps, decoration pieces, etc. Keep the house less cluttered and make sure there are no cracks or spaces in the floor. Try to buy a couch or sofa that has some height to it and can easily fit into one corner of the room. If you have extra 2-3 step stairs around the house then it’s better to convert them in ramps as well. If your house is fully carpeted, then removing it would be a smarter option so that the person can move comfortably around the house. 

For the bedroom, again find a bed that has more height or to save money just install some risers and make sure they’re secure in place. For more safety precautions, you can also install some bed rails that can be locked in place and put down when needed. If the person is too weak to walk or get out of bed, you can add a foldable food tray that is often found in hospitals. They can easily be cleaned as well put away when done with the meal.

Lastly, the bathroom, where the risk of falling and getting hurt is the highest. You need to get started with installing grab bars- at least two in the bathtub so that they can have strong supports all the time to avoid from slipping or losing balance. Moreover, add height to the toilet seat so that its easier for the patient to get back up and also install grab bars on the sides and behind the toilet to sufficiently assist them in holding themselves or transfer back to the wheel chair.

For your own awareness and the patient’s safety, you can also install some CCTV cameras around the house and replace your home’s flooring with a slip-resistant one. 

Don’t be stop taking the stroke survivor for an outing only to be precautious. Instead, getting them out once in a while except the doctor’s appointment will make them feel motivated and refreshed!