9 Stroke Rehab Equipment for Home

9 Stroke Rehab Equipment for Home - MalaysiaCaregiving Support

9 Stroke Rehab Equipment for Home

Stroke recovery is a long-term journey and requires consistent rehabilitation. Here are 9 equipment you can add to your home to ease survivors in their recovery process.

9 Stroke Rehab Equipment for Home

A stroke that occurs in the brain due to a blockage or ruptured artery can cause long-lasting damage. Thus, quick treatment during the stroke episode is vital in order to limit the aftereffects, such as the following:

  • Cognitive impact– Risk ofdementiaand memory trouble
  • Movement problems– Weakness or paralysis in the body, alongside fatigue
  • Communication problems– Challenges with speaking, understanding, reading, and writing
  • Swallowing problems– Small particles of food may enter the windpipe due to troubled swallowing reflex, which can lead to lung damage and infection
  • Visual problems– Half-vision or double vision
  • Bladder and bowel control– Risk of urinary incontinence

In this article, we will look intostrokerecovery and how to facilitate this journey at home with appropriate home equipment and exercises.

Is Stroke Recovery at Home Possible?

Injury to the brain due to stroke can be long-lasting. Therefore, most patients require long-term support in order to regain autonomy and improve neuroplasticity. This process of rehabilitation will vary for each individual, depending on the symptoms and severity of the stroke. Different specialists may be called in to assist with rehabilitation, ranging from physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, dietitians, or psychologists.

Most patients will continue the rehabilitation at home or at a clinic facility. Hence, stroke recovery is definitely possible at home with the support of caregivers,home therapy, the usage of adaptive equipment, changes in lifestyle, and proper safety measures at home.

Stroke Recovery Timeline

Although stroke effects vary, this can be viewed as a general timeline of the recovery process.

Part 1: Treatment

After experiencing a stroke, most people are usually admitted to the emergency department to determine the type of stroke. The patient may be put under acute or intensive care. Rehabilitation should start as soon as possible, with constant engagement from the specialists every 1-2 hours, for the first day.

Part 2: First Few Weeks After a Stroke

A patient may stay at the hospital for up to a week. Then, the stroke care team will assess the cause of the stroke and work out a rehabilitation plan with a physiotherapist and/or speech therapist before the discharge. A patient does not need to be at 100% health at this point to return home. Those who are able to do most tasks with assistance or family support are able to return home after hospitalisation.

Part 3: 1 – 3 Months Post-Stroke

This is the phase in which most individuals will see an improvement in their condition. Most people will make progress in their recovery. There may be instances in which a patient is able to do an old task again, in a new way. This phenomenon is known as spontaneous recovery. However, some patients may see a setback, such as contractingpneumoniaor aheart attack.

Part 4 – 6 Months and Beyond

At this point, most improvements will have slowed down. This is when it will be clear whether the patient has made a full recovery or experienced ongoing impairments. Nevertheless, a regular follow-up with the stroke care team is necessary. This is due to some reasons, as follows:

  • Taking steps to prevent future stroke episodes
  • Coordinating aspects of recovery and providing support
  • Recovering the majority of one’s function in day-to-day activities
  • Receiving customised treatments to target the affected part of the brain

Stroke Rehabilitation Equipment for Home Use

Certain equipment can be purchased or brought to one’s home environment in order to facilitate regular exercise. This can stimulate the brain and encourage neuroplasticity, paving the way for patients to return to their daily activities.

  • Stationary Recumbent Bikes

As around 80 per cent of stroke survivors experience hemiparesis(weakness on one side of the body), this equipment can help to build up the major muscle groups that can help the person to walk better again. This tool helps to target the feet, legs, core, and arms. Although only one leg may be able to pedal properly, this bike is able to assist the affected leg due to the bilateral movement.

  • Balance Boards

This tool is meant to challenge one’s ability to balance. This will assist with one’s ability to walk. However, proceed with caution by making sure to hold on to something stable, such as a table, when starting out. As balance boards vary from a single-point type to ones with a rocking base, choose something that suits one’s needs. You can consult the stroke care team for clarity.

  • Stability Ball

If balance boards are too challenging to use, one can consider a stability ball. It is relatively safe and it is easier to use. This is often used for core rehab exercises, meant to improve one’s balance and walking.

  • Dumbbells, Wrist, and Ankle Weights

Strength training is vital to recovering from muscle atrophy which may have occurred due to lack of activity. Weights are an affordable option. By using them, you can encourage muscle growth and recovery.

  • Arm Peddlers

This is another form of bilateral exercise, for the arms. If you are able to find under-desk stationary bikes that can be used as arm and leg peddlers, then this can be viewed as a creative measure to get double the use of the equipment.

  • Electrical Stimulation Machine

Electrical stimulation works by attaching pads to the skin over the affected muscles which sends gentle electrical stimulation. This will help to contract the muscles to introduce movement to the paralysed parts of the body. However, the use of this machine will require you to work closely with the therapist in order to ensure the safe use of the equipment.

  • Mirror Box Therapy

This is a rehabilitation method for one’s hand. This involves the use of a tabletop mirror to create a reflection of the non-affected hand. When the non-affected hand is exercised, then this can trick your brain into thinking that both hands are moving. This is a recommended option for patients who struggle with hand paralysis or a clenched hand issue.

  • Hand Exercise Balls with Extensions

These exercise balls are the size of a stress ball, with some finger loops for finger extension. This allows an exercise for flexibility and extension of one’s fingers.

  • Foot Drop Brace

This is also another option for foot recovery to address muscular weakness or foot-lifting troubles. This can be worn on the right or left foot, during the day in a shoe while walking as well. If you are interested to purchase a foot drop brace, you may get it fromNeolee Rehab Supply.

The stroke recovery process can be a bumpy journey for both the survivor and his or her loved one. Understanding the basics of stroke care is vital to avoid potential complications when it strikes. Whether you are caring for someone after a stroke or are here for self-learning,download our FREE Stroke Care E-book.

Learn all you need to do with this caregiver’s guide to stroke care, including:

  • What is a stroke?
  • Preparing for a stroke emergency
  • Treatment for stroke patients in Malaysia
  • Changes to expect after a stroke
  • Caring for a loved one who had a stroke
  • How can help
  • Other resources from the community

As technology and research continue regarding stroke recovery, there is an increasing amount of gadgets that are able to assist. Before investing in a tool or equipment, take a quick check based on the following:

  • Price of the equipment
  • Motivational ability
  • Therapeutic ability

Alternatives to Recover Fast from a Stroke

Aside from engaging in therapies and stroke rehab equipment, there may be other alternatives to recover from a stroke episode. These do not mean that alternative treatments are better than medical ones. However, these methods may help to benefit and assist your health goals.

  • Control one’s diet

The doctor may request changes in your eating habits to lower your cholesterol levels. This may include removing alcohol intake and introducing more nutritional food like fruits and vegetables.

  • Get active

Find ways to move. Low-impact exercises like brisk walking outside or on a treadmill and stationary cycling are recommended. Graceful and smooth movements enable patients to improve their breathing and mental focus.

  • Manage one’s weight

Obesity is a risk factor for stroke. With appropriate weight loss, this can improve blood pressure readings, and lower cholesterol and type 2diabetesrisk.

  • Massages

Massages can help to increase blood flow for the affected area, relieve pain and improve movement after a stroke episode.

  • Acupuncture treatment

This would involve a practitioner inserting small needles into specific points of the body. Acupressure is a similar method that involves pressure without using needles. While there is not enough evidence on this method to prevent stroke, acupuncture has an overall positive impact on one’s quality of life and mobility.

  • Manage one’s stress

Stress is linked to increasedblood pressureand other health risks. Hence, find ways to practice relaxation to release tension from your body. Consider meditation, getting enough rest, aromatherapy, and positive self-talk.

  • Adapt one’s home

Most homes will require slight changes to facilitate rehabilitation. This will require removing anything that could be a hazard, such as loose wires, carpets, or clutter. Installation of assistive tools, such as the following, can also be useful in a stroke survivor’s recovery journey:

  • Grab rails to support when entering or exiting the shower
  • Slip-resistant mats
  • Bath transfer bench or shower chair
  • Long-handled scrubbers to wash hard-to-reach areas of the body
  • Sock aids
  • Button and zipper aids
  • Long-handled shoe horn to enable one to slip on their shoes
  • Bra aid
  • Velcro instead of button fastenings
  • Finger loop utensils

Stroke Care and Recovery with

Need some help for a family member with stroke? Whether it’s to consult aspeech therapistto improve swallowing and speech challenges, aphysiotherapistto arrange regular rehab sessions, or aprofessional caregiverto stand in to help you out with taking care of your loved ones few hours a week so you can rest, we are able to provide our stroke recovery services at the comfort of your home.

Get in touch with our penasihat today for afree consultationby filling up the details below. Let us be the solution in taking care of yourpaandma.

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