Perceptual Problems Neglect. This is a common condition in which the stroke survivor ignores or neglects the impaired side of the body, usually the left side. Encourage the patient to become aware of this side by touching it, talking about it or rubbing it gently with a towel. Rearrange the furniture so that the stroke survivor will be oriented to the unimpaired side. Speaking and Seeing.
Stroke can result in a variety of perceptual impairments.
For example, a stroke survivor may have difficulty distinguishing foreground from background or judging distances. Keep the environment as organized and free of clutter as possible and arrange objects so that they are on surfaces of contrasting color. If there is blindness in one half of the eye, encourage the stroke survivor to learn compensatory techniques like turning the head to scan the environment. Some stroke survivors lose sensation in parts of their bodies. To avoid accidents, be vigilant about sharp object and utensils and heat from water or the stove.