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How do you cope after your spouse has a stroke?
Stroke & Cerebrovascular Diseases | Last Active: Nov 13, 2023 | Replies (13)Comment receiving replies
My husband has had 2 strokes now, fortunately can still talk, walk with a cane and eat normally. He cannot drive because his vision was impaired and is very depressed. I do everything now and am exhausted most of the time. I just started going to a stroke support group locally which may help. How do you know when you hire help into your home that the person is trustworthy and honest? I feel this would help me get out occasionally but am afraid. We are both 70 and live in a nice area so don’t want to be taken advantage of. Any recommendations!
Replies to "My husband has had 2 strokes now, fortunately can still talk, walk with a cane and..."
My husband also had a 2nd stroke 2 weeks after the first. I am fortunate that my sister is a patient advocate with her own company of employees. She is phenomenal so it's her company that was hired to help in home. It's truly been a godsend. Look for reputable people who do this in your area. Ask for references and then call and see how their care was. Some people have a beautiful gift for this, my sister is one of them.
I haven't been able to find a support group in my area, but I really need one. My husband's stroke affected his peripheral vision on the right side and he has broca aphasia. Communication has been the most difficult.
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I don't know about hiring help, but is there anything that your husband can help with, however small?
After my stroke, feeling helpless drove me nuts, and my wife was getting worn out fast.
For one thing, seeing her motivated me to recover as much as possible (still working on that). For another, just doing small things raised my spirits tremendously.
Just a few months after my stroke, my wife had to leave me on my own for a few days. She had a friend drop by to check on me once or twice, but I was mostly on my own. I couldn't drive, so I was kind of stuck. But she got a nice break, and I enjoyed the challenge of being on my own. (I was fine. Didn't do anything risky, needless to say.)
Can your husband read and use a computer? Maybe he could join Mayo Connect and engage with others, sharing advice and encouragement to others.
Joining a stroke support group is a good idea. The one near me is very good. I wish I'd joined it sooner! (In fact, at the recent meeting, I filled in as guest speaker.)
Best of luck to you both. There is hope!