Strokes & Caregivers

Being a caregiver can be a very rewarding occupation. But it can also be very trying and difficult at times. Working with stroke patients can be super challenging not only emotionally but physically as well. Many times their speech is impaired and one side of their body is not in good use. Many will go to Physical Therapy and I think that it is wonderful tool to have under their belt as is Speech Therapy. If all could go to Physical & Speech Therapy I think some damage further down the line can be prevented. It is very trying work when moving them.  To not only get them out of bed into a wheelchair, change their clothes, and get them into the shower. Many times the stroke patient suffers with incontinence of urine and perhaps even stool depending upon the patient. Sometimes their clothes are just soaking wet with urine. Especially if you are in a nursing home... Its just a sad situation. I think it is harder on women caregivers to lift these people and transfer them more than it is for men. This is just an opinion but with time I think we perfect our own way of doing the transfer that works for us. When using a Hoyer lift with stroke victims because you will have to in your lifetime of working as a caregiver. make sure that all straps are fastened securely and safely. This way there is minimal room for error when lifting up the patient. There has been accidents where the Hoyer strap has come loose or even snapped under pressure. Just try to be knowledgeable with what you're getting into when becoming a caregiver for a person with a stroke.