Caring For A Stroke Patient At Home — A Family Guide

The First Week At Home

The first week after discharge is the hardest. The family suddenly replaces a nursing team, usually with no formal training.

Focus on just three things at first: safe positioning, adequate food and fluid intake, and watching for warning signs. Everything else can be learned gradually.

Correct Positioning

The weak side of the body needs extra support. Without it, the shoulder can pull out of the joint and cause lasting pain.

• Support the weak arm on a pillow — never let it hang
• Never pull on the weak arm when moving the patient
• Raise the head of the bed 30 degrees during and after meals
• Change position every two hours to prevent bedsores

The full prevention guide is in our article on preventing bedsores.

Eating And Drinking Safely

Many stroke patients have swallowing difficulty. Choking is a leading cause of chest infection after a stroke, and it can be fatal.

1. Make sure the patient is fully upright before eating
2. Give small mouthfuls and wait until each is fully swallowed
3. Thicken drinks if the patient coughs on plain water
4. Keep them sitting up for 30 minutes after the meal

A bed whose head section raises makes this routine far easier than stacking pillows every time. See the options on our products page.

The Equipment You Actually Need

• A hospital bed with head and height adjustment
• An anti-bedsore mattress for patients who rarely move
• A wheelchair to get the patient out of the bedroom
• A shower chair or bedside commode
• A drip stand if the patient is tube-fed

You do not need to buy everything at once. Start with the bed and mattress, then add items as real needs appear.

Warning Signs — Call A Doctor Immediately

A second stroke can happen within the first few months. Call emergency help if you notice any of these:

• New weakness in the face, arm or leg
• Speech suddenly becoming slurred
• Fever with a productive cough — possibly a chest infection
• A red patch of skin that does not fade after pressure is removed
• Sudden confusion or difficulty waking the patient

For help with daily bed-to-wheelchair moves, read our safe transfer techniques.

We deliver hospital beds nationwide, including Seremban, Melaka and Johor Bahru.