Stroke

Rehabilitation, including Occupational Therapy, has been shown to help people make a better recovery after a stroke. As a result of your stroke, you may well have weakness down one side of your body, have difficulty with your memory, struggle to understand how to use every day items, feel fatigued, have reduced confidence in your abilities and as a result can start to feel isolated and low in mood.

Dr P had recently returned home following her stroke. She was reliant on carers for all aspects of her personal care, and domestic ADLs. She had a fear of falling, so would spend the majority of her day sitting in her armchair. She became low in mood, and frustrated by her limitations.

We worked together to review how she was managing her daily showering and dressing routine, looking at new ways to manage the tasks, as well as the provision of small equipment aids. We looked at her ability to climb up and down stairs, and her general mobility and transfers within the home. We also explored her ability to make herself breakfast and light snacks, and started to access the local community.

Following her Occupational Therapy intervention Dr P was able to get herself washed and dressed and access all her clothing from her bedroom, she felt safe going up and downstairs on her own, and had started to make herself breakfast, snacks and doing the washing up. She was going out in her garden, and taking trips to the local community, exploring sewing and WI groups.

“You came when I was down and gave me hope and encouragement. Without your help I would still be in the same sad place. But you rescued me. For that I am eternally grateful” 

Dr P, Harpenden.