A stroke is one of the leading causes of disability in American adults, but that doesn’t mean you have to live a life limited by your condition. Assisted living communities in North Valley, NM can help you regain independence and make sure you’re living as fully as possible. Here are some ways an assisted living community can help someone who has had a stroke:
Rehabilitation Services
Assisted living communities are equipped with rehabilitation services that can help you regain your independence after a stroke. Services provided by these communities include:
- Physical therapy is used to help you strengthen the muscles in your body and improve mobility.
- Occupational therapy, which is used to help you learn new skills like cooking or household chores.
- Speech therapy is offered in some assisted living communities. This helps improve your ability to speak clearly after having a stroke.
- Medical care is another service available in an assisted living community. It’s especially beneficial if you’re recovering from an injury or illness, such as a stroke, and need assistance with everyday tasks like bathing or taking medication on time.
Companionship and Community
Companionship and community are both important for stroke survivors. Stroke survivors need a safe, supportive environment to explore their recovery. By living in an assisted living community where people with similar challenges live in close proximity, you’ll find support from others who have gone through similar experiences. This type of companionship will help you feel more confident during your recovery and make it easier to maintain your independence.
Individualized Care Plan
When you’re recovering from a stroke, the goal is to help you regain as much independence as possible. Your care plan is customized to your needs and abilities. It outlines all the tasks you can do on your own and those that require assistance. A care plan’s purpose is to guide everyone involved in your recovery to ensure the necessary steps are taken toward achieving this goal. A comprehensive care plan should include the following:
- Goals: What needs to be accomplished? As mentioned above, these goals should align with your personal goals.
- Actions: What specific actions must be taken? These actions should also align with your personal goals and reflect how they relate specifically to your diagnosis or condition (i.e., if someone has difficulty walking due to an issue with their leg muscles, they may need physical therapy or occupational therapy).
- Resources: Who are the right people/organizations to help achieve these actions? This would most often include medical professionals such as doctors and therapists, but include friends or family members who offer support during the recovery process.
Food and Diet Needs
Food is one of the most important factors in a stroke survivor’s physical and mental recovery. Food helps with overall health, weight loss, energy levels, physical activity, and mental health. Many people realize their diet needs to be altered after a stroke. A dietitian can help you determine how to get back on track with your eating habits. Your dietary needs can change, depending on your stroke’s severity and where it occurred.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a way to regain independence after a stroke, senior living communities can provide you with the care and support that other facilities do not. They offer aging adults a safe and secure place to live while providing them with the companionship necessary to thrive as they age or recover from a situation like this.
