by Sonce Reese

Created on: June 09, 2009   Last Updated: July 29, 2009

Living with a stroke survivor? You're not alone. Strokes can change lives.

A stroke survivor can suffer loss of mobility, speech, movement of limbs and brain functions. Which can be a difficult and trying time for everyone involved. How do you deal with and cope with someone who was so full of life one day and then struggling to perform basic functions the next? The first way is in acknowledging your feelings. Whether you're angry, confused or caught off guard. Allow yourself to acknowledge these feelings. It is the only way you can move forward and assist your loved one.

Once you have moved past this point, the healing can begin. Keep in mind that this is an adjustment for the stroke survivor as well. These are once vibrant, happy (or unhappy) people who could take care of themselves and are now at the mercy of others. Imagine what it would be like to lose the use of your writing hand. That's a huge adjustment in itself. This is a new situation for everyone. It's almost like moving to a new city, in a new state where you are not familiar with the neighborhood, the cultures and you have no sense of direction. Everything is new, there needs to be time for the adjustment.

Acceptance is key in this new environment. Many stroke survivors go on to live normal lives, with physical therapy and will to not live this way, they overcome obstacles and go on to live normal lives. Many do not. It may take months or years of recovery. Relearning tasks that took little or no thought in the past are now a daily chore. Learning to speak, read, write or even walk may be on the list of learning tasks. Take heart. These activities can be incorporated into a daily routine that involves the whole family. Flash cards are a great way to incorporate reading into a stroke survivors daily activities.

Remember that stroke survivors need love and support. They are adjusting to a new way of living and need to know that they are loved just as much as they were before. That, in itself, is the best form of assistance that anyone can receive.

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