Physical therapy coupled with a positive outlook led him, at age 65, from a wheelchair to a walker, then to a cane and back to work. Most of today's poststroke rehabilitation supports the notion that if one area of the brain is damaged, other centers can assume the role of the injured tissue. However, recovery is determined by other factors too, such as the site and the severity of the stroke, the general health of the individual, the quality of medical care, and the support of others. Support of Family and Friends Erikka engaged in rehabilitative exercises for three years, learning to walk and to use her right hand to compensate for her disabled left hand. To know that they loved me gave me strength, and when they encouraged me not to give up, that motivated me.
Family members become partners in the recovery process of their loved ones.
They need to ask questions of medical personnel and observe therapies that may need to be continued at home so as not to lose the gains already made. The patience, kindness, understanding, and affection shown by family members and friends provide a secure emotional environment in which to relearn speech, reading, and other skills of daily living. Striking a balance between pushing and coddling, John worked hard helping his wife Ellen with exercise and therapy. At times we were hard taskmasters, but we always monitored her limitations and gave assistance. She is more sensitive, so I make an effort not to cause her stress.