As well as the vital role of neuro-rehab, stimulating activities can be hugely important in the ongoing recovery after stroke. Here, Cavendish Homecare discuss some of the approaches that can be taken in enabling this
What is a stroke?
The NHS has described a stroke as a life-threatening medical condition that is caused when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut-off. The sooner a person receives treatment for a stroke, the less damage is likely to happen.
What are the symptoms?
The main symptoms of a stroke can be remembered with the words FAST:
Face – the face may have dropped on one side and the person may not be able to smile, or their mouth or eye may have dropped.
Arms – the person with a suspected stroke may not be able to lift both arms and keep them up due to weakness or numbness in one arm.
Speech – their speech may be slurred or garbled, or the person may not be able to talk at all despite appearing to be awake; they may also have problems understanding what you’re saying to them.
Time – it’s time to dial 999 immediately if you see any of these signs or symptoms.
A stroke can occasionally cause different symptoms. This can include the following:
- Dizziness
- Problems with balance and coordination
- Sudden loss or blurring of vision
- Loss of consciousness
Side effects of a stroke
The most common effects of a stroke include:
- Partial paralysis (usually on one side of your body)
- Visual problems
- Altered mood
- Memory loss
Engaging activities for stroke recovery
After suffering a stroke, the patient will come up against numerous barriers when trying to be physically active again such as restricted movement, fatigue, or depression. While the journey may have to start slowly, there are ways to work around the physical barriers.
Recovery after a stroke can be aided by engaging in activities such as reading, writing, cooking, music, and arts and crafts.
Reading and writing
Reading and writing require fine motor control, which can improve dexterity and hand-eye coordination. This is essential for daily living such as writing and typing. Writing letters, stories, or memoirs, or reading a book are several productive and enjoyable activities to do while recovering from a stroke.
Cooking
Cooking can help with cognitive skills like planning and sequencing, as well as physical skills like reaching, grasping, and stirring. It is important to be mindful of any limitations due to stroke-related impairments and take safety precautions when handling hot objects or sharp knives.
Music
Learning to play a new instrument is one way of improving coordination. For instance, listening to music and possibly combining the activity with a light dance routine can improve the mood as well as introduce an element of exercise. Music can stimulate multiple areas of the brain and help improve coordination, balance, and mood. Learning to play a new instrument or practicing simple movements to music can also provide opportunities for physical exercise and social interaction.
Arts and crafts
Arts and crafts involve a range of skills, including visual-spatial processing, planning and sequencing, and fine motor control. Activities include paper crafts, flower arranging, scrapbooking, or woodwork. Some activities may be more challenging than others depending on the stroke survivor’s abilities, but adapting materials or using assistive devices can make projects accessible.
Board and Card Games
Board and card games like Jenga, Scrabble, and Poker can improve cognitive skills such as sequencing, categorisation, and cognitive flexibility. However, it is important to start with simple games and avoid those that require excessive hand movements or have complicated rules.
Jenga
Playing Jenga requires mental and physical coordination when stacking blocks and trying to keep the tower from collapsing.
Scrabble
Scrabble involves a range of skills that you can work on, such as using simple math to add up the scores. Cognitive flexibility is necessary to come up with words and the mechanics of the game include simple control-and-release tasks.
Poker
Sequencing and categorisation are cognitive skills that are needed when playing poker, and therefore beneficial when you’re recovering from stroke.
Gentle exercise/physiotherapy
Gentle exercise or physiotherapy assists in regaining muscle and movement capacity. However, it is important to follow the medical teams’ advice and engage in the exercise or physiotherapy recommended by them.
Knitting
Knitting can be a great way to relax and take your mind off of recovery while also improving hand function. Moreover, there are also knitting aids available for those with limited function in their hands. For those with limited function in their hands, there are knitting aids available that can be used to make the activity more accessible.
Meditation
Meditating is an effective way to reduce stress and approach life with added positivity, two aspects that are very important in stroke recovery. This can be as easy as setting aside some time to sit quietly each day, to focus on breathing and collecting thoughts.
Photography
Photography is a low-impact activity that allows for creative expression and provides an opportunity to be outdoors and enjoy the surroundings. It can be a great way to engage with the world while still taking it easy during recovery. Additionally, there is also the added bonus of being outdoors and enjoying the surroundings.
Brain training
Brain training activities like jigsaw puzzles, crosswords, and board games can be fun and engaging for stroke patients at most stages of recovery. These activities can help improve cognitive function and provide a sense of accomplishment. Activities include attempting a jigsaw puzzle, crossword, sudoku, memory game, board game, or a spot of mental arithmetic depending on the patient’s preferences.
Days out
Planning local days out can be a great way to get out of the house and interact with the community, especially This could give a change of scenery and an opportunity to interact with friends and people in the community. Starting with short, local trips and gradually building up to longer ones can help patients regain confidence and independence.
Specialist Stroke Care at Cavendish Homecare
A stroke can have life-changing effects on a person, as well as their family. At Cavendish Homecare, we are experts in providing home care for individuals who have suffered a stroke and want to remain in their own homes whilst they recover. We work to support the patient and their family with private care to reduce pain and improve comfort and quality of life.
If you would like to enquire about a specialist care package, contact us at, 0203 008 5210 or email us at info@cavendishhomecare.com
